Intuitive Machines’ spacecraft, Odysseus, is poised to make history as it attempts to become the first private mission to successfully land on the Moon’s south pole. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Odysseus aims to touch down at Malapert A crater, an area believed to harbor water ice resources that could be vital for future human exploration. The mission marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration, being the first United States Moon landing in over half a century.

Weighing approximately 1,488lb, Odysseus carries 12 payloads, including NASA’s scientific instruments and sculptural artwork by US artist Jeff Koons. Among the payloads is a unique tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, which includes 125 miniature moon sculptures. The landing, scheduled for 6.24pm ET/11.24pm GMT after a slight delay due to additional lunar orbiting, will last about a week, paving the way for potential future missions under NASA’s Artemis program.

The final descent onto the lunar surface will rely heavily on onboard software for navigation, avoiding the use of cameras due to the obstructive lunar dust. The spacecraft will execute precise maneuvers, including a vertical descent at 3m per second, slowing to 1m per second for a soft landing, described by Intuitive Machines as akin to walking towards a door and closing one’s eyes in the last three feet.

This endeavor comes after previous unsuccessful attempts by private entities to land on the Moon, underscoring the complexities and challenges of lunar exploration. The mission not only demonstrates the technological advancements in space exploration but also highlights the growing involvement of private companies in what was once a field dominated by government agencies. As Odysseus embarks on this historic journey, it represents a blend of scientific pursuit and commercial interest, raising questions about the future coordination of lunar missions.