Odysseus on the Moon

Methalox rocket engine firing, Odysseus’ touchdown legs absorb first contact with the lunar surface in this extensive-attitude snapshot from a digicam on board the robotic Intuitive Machines Nova-C moon lander. Following the touchdown on February 22, damaged touchdown legs, visible within the image, within the end left the lander at rest nonetheless tilted. Odysseus’ at ease lean precise into a sloping lunar surface preserved the phone gross sales location-sized lander’s ability to operate, rep photo voltaic energy, and return photos and records to Earth. Its steady touchdown space within the Moon’s a long way south polar situation was once imaged by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Donated by NASA, the American flag considered on the lander’s central panel is 1970 Apollo program flight hardware.