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<\/a><\/figure>The next set of NASA science and technology demonstrations is on its way to the lunar surface, where they will gather data about Earth\u2019s nearest neighbor and help pave the way for American astronauts to explore the Moon and beyond, for the benefit of all.<\/p>\n
Carrying NASA instruments as part of the agency\u2019s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, Intuitive Machines\u2019 IM-2 mission launched at 7:16 p.m. EST, Feb. 26, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Intuitive Machines\u2019 lunar lander is scheduled to touch down on Thursday, March 6, in Mons Mouton, a plateau in the Moon\u2019s South Pole.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith each CLPS mission, the United States is leading the way in expanding our reach and refining our capabilities, turning what was once dreams into reality,\u201d said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. \u201cThese science and technology demonstrations are more than payloads \u2013 they represent the foundation for future explorers who will live and work on the Moon. By partnering with American industry, we are driving innovation, strengthening our leadership in space, and preparing for sending humans farther into the solar system, including Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Once on the Moon, the NASA CLPS investigations will aim to measure the potential presence of volatiles or gases from lunar soil \u2013 one of the first on-site demonstrations of resource use on the Moon. In addition, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will bounce laser light back at any future orbiting or incoming spacecraft to give them a permanent reference point on the lunar surface. Other technology instruments on this delivery will demonstrate a robust surface communications system and deploy a propulsive drone designed to hop across the lunar surface.<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s Lunar Trailblazer<\/a> spacecraft, which launched as a rideshare with the IM-2 mission, also began its journey to lunar orbit, where it will map the distribution of the different forms of water on the Moon. Lunar Trailblazer will discover where the Moon\u2019s water<\/a> is, what form it is in, and how it changes over time. Observations gathered during its two-year prime mission<\/a> will contribute to the understanding of water cycles on airless bodies throughout the solar system while also supporting future human and robotic missions to the Moon by identifying where water is located.\u00a0<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Artemis campaign includes conducting more science to better understand planetary processes and evolution, to search for evidence of water and other resources, and support long-term, sustainable human exploration.<\/p>\n The NASA science and technology instruments that launched aboard the IM-2 mission are:<\/p>\n Learn more about NASA\u2019s CLPS initiative at:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/clps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n Karen Fox \/ Jasmine Hopkins Natalia Riusech \/ Nilufar Ramji Antonia Jaramillo\n
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Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600 \/ 321-432-4624
karen.c.fox@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
nataila.s.riusech@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ nilufar.ramji@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-501-8425
antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n