NASA has awarded Intuitive Machines a $117 million contract to deliver six science instruments to the Moon's South Pole in 2027. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which aims to leverage the capabilities of commercial companies to explore the Moon.
Key points about the mission:
- Destination: The Moon's South Pole, a region known for its potential water ice deposits.
- Payload: Six NASA science instruments designed to study the lunar surface and its environment.
- Launch Date: 2027
- Purpose: To gather data on the Moon's resources and prepare for future human exploration.
This mission is a significant step forward in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable lunar presence.