Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus spacecraft did not land upright as initially thought. During a press conference with NASA, the company disclosed that the lander is actually laying on its side due to a faster-than-expected landing. Fortunately, the spacecraft’s solar panels are still receiving enough sunlight to keep it charged, and communication with the team has been established. Pictures from the surface are expected soon.
Initial readings suggested that Odysseus had landed properly, but further analysis revealed otherwise. Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus attributed the earlier misreading to “stale telemetry.”
Despite the unexpected landing, all payloads, except for Jeff Koons’ Moon Phases sculptures, are intact. The lander and its NASA science payloads have been collecting data from the journey and descent.
2024-02-24 12:45:41
Article from www.engadget.com