CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon since the Apollo astronauts fell silent Thursday, a week after breaking a leg at touchdown and tipping over near the lunar south pole.
Intuitive Machines’ lander, Odysseus, lasted longer than the company anticipated after it ended up on its side with hobbled solar power and communication.
The end came as flight controllers received one last photo from Odysseus and commanded its computer and power systems to standby. That way, the lander can wake up in another two to three weeks — if it survives the bitterly cold lunar night. Intuitive Machines spokesman Josh Marshall said these final steps drained the lander’s batteries and put Odysseus “down for a long nap.”
“Good night, Odie. We hope to hear from you again,” the company said via X, formerly Twitter.
Before losing power, Odysseus sent back what Intuitive Machines called “a fitting farewell transmission.”
Feature: AI system developed by students helps missing children return home
OJ Simpson's brain will not be donated for CTE research, family spokesperson says
Chinese companies set new digging record in tunnelling projects in Nepal
Trainer and Brehm can find a few perks amid New Orleans disappointment
German students experience traditional tea culture in China
TV series spotlights young love for older woman
Diverse cultures, radiance of glory
‘Kraven the Hunter’ release delayed until December
Cultural exchange activities on BRICS cooperation held in South Africa
US, Mexico drop bid to host 2027 World Cup
DR ELLIE CANNON: Are the drugs I'm taking to blame for my hip pain?