Intuitive Machines is gearing up for its first-ever lunar mission. They have released a comprehensive press kit detailing the lander architecture, the payloads on board, and the full mission plan. The launch date is set for February 14, with a few extra days allowed for possible weather-related or other delays. The success of this mission could lay the groundwork for a growing lunar economy, opening up new prospects for research, commerce, and exploration.
Last week, details about Interlune, a secretive startup founded by former Blue Origin leaders, were revealed. The company recently secured $15 million in funding, but the purpose of the capital was unclear. However, pitch decks from Spring 2022 and Fall 2023 viewed by TechCrunch reveal that Interlune intended to use the funding to develop and test resource extraction hardware for lunar helium-3 (He3).
In other recent space news, SpaceX launched a $1 billion NASA Earth science satellite on a Falcon 9 last week. This marked the culmination of nearly two decades of planning and development. The Plankton Aerosol Cloud ocean Ecosystem (PACE) spacecraft will collect data on marine ecosystems, the ocean, and our atmosphere. This data will help scientists gain a deeper understanding of everything from phytoplankton to air quality to how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon.
Meanwhile, CNBC’s Michael Sheetz interviewed seven bankers concerning the likely sale of United Launch Alliance and the current three contenders, which include Blue Origin and aerospace contractor Textron. Sheetz examines what this acquisition could mean for each of the potential buyers and the future of space launches.
