![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/intuitive-machines-cp-22.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>A new set of NASA science experiments and technology demonstrations will arrive at the lunar South Pole in 2027 following the agency\u2019s latest CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative delivery award. Intuitive Machines of Houston will receive $116.9 million to deliver six NASA payloads to a part of the Moon where nighttime temperatures are frigid, the terrain is rugged, and the permanently shadowed regions could help reveal the origin of water throughout our solar system.<\/p>\n
Part of the agency\u2019s broader Artemis<\/a> campaign, CLPS aims to conduct science on the Moon for the benefit of all, including experiments and demos that support missions with crew on the lunar surface.<\/p>\n \u201cThis marks the 10th CLPS delivery NASA has awarded, and the fourth planned for delivery to the South Pole of the Moon,\u201d said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. \u201cBy supporting a robust cadence of CLPS flights to a variety of locations on the lunar surface, including two flights currently planned by companies for later this year, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n NASA has awarded Intuitive Machine\u2019s four task orders. The company delivered six NASA payloads to Malapert A in the South Pole region of the Moon in early 2024. With this lunar South Pole delivery, Intuitive Machines will be responsible for payload integration, launch from Earth, safe landing on the Moon, and mission operations.<\/p>\n \u201cThe instruments on this newly awarded flight will help us achieve multiple scientific objectives and strengthen our understanding of the Moon\u2019s environment,\u201d said Chris Culbert, manager of the CLPS initiative at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cFor example, they\u2019ll help answer key questions about where volatiles \u2013 such as water, ice, or gas \u2013 are found on the lunar surface and measure radiation in the South Pole region, which could advance our exploration efforts on the Moon and help us with continued exploration of Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n The instruments, collectively expected to be about 174 pounds (79 kilograms) in mass, include:<\/p>\n Under CLPS, multiple commercial deliveries to different geographic regions will help NASA conduct science and continue working toward a long-term human presence on the Moon. Future deliveries will include sophisticated science experiments, and technology demonstrations as part of the agency\u2019s Artemis campaign. Two upcoming CLPS flights slated to launch near the end of 2024 will deliver NASA payloads to the Moon\u2019s nearside and South Pole, including the Intuitive Machines-2 delivery of NASA\u2019s first on-site demonstration of searching for water and other chemical compounds 3.3 feet below the surface of the Moon, using a drill and mass spectrometer.<\/p>\n Learn more about CLPS and Artemis at:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/clps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n Karen Fox Laura Sorto \/ Natalia Riusech\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1275
karen.c.fox@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
laura.g.sorto@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ natalia.s.riusech@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n