Insider Brief
- Odysseus reached the lunar surface at approximately 6:23 p.m. ET on Feb. 22.
- There were some technical challenges — but the landing went relatively smooth.
- This is the first US spacecraft to reach the moon in 50 years.
There were some technical glitches that nearly delayed the landing. And, briefly, a lack of communication between the lander and Earth caused a little stress. But, that drama aside, Odysseus reached the lunar surface at approximately 6:23 p.m. ET on Feb. 22. It was billed as the first commercial lunar landing.
And, as the first lunar landing by a U.S.-built spacecraft in more than 50 years, the reaction was pretty intense.
Here’s a wrap-up of the reactions that are filtering in:
“We can confirm without a doubt the equipment is on the moon. Odysseus has a new home.” — Dr. Tim Crane, NASA broadcast. ”
“Today, for the first time in the history of humanity, a commercial company — an American company — launched and led the voyage up there. Today is a day that shows the power and promise of NASA’s commercial partnerships.” — Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, Axios.
“I had everyone’s name etched on the bottom of the landing gear so that their names will be indelibly printed on the moon when we touch down softly,” Steve Altemus, president and CEO of Intuitive Machines told ABC News.
“How successful was this landing? Well, I think we can say it’s a success by virtue of the fact that it’s on the surface and maybe transmitting faint signals. Is it toppled over? Is there damage to it? We don’t know yet. But I think, in the grand scheme here, proving that this can be done, and done for essentially pennies on the dollar, is very important when you look at the larger ambition that NASA has with the Artemis program.” — Miles O’Brien, PBS
What they accomplished tonight isn’t easy and it’s a critical part of the next generation of space exploration, starting with the Artemis missions. — Senator Mark Kelly
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