CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon since the Apollo astronauts fell silent Thursday, a week after breaking a leg at touchdown and tipping over near the lunar south pole.
Intuitive Machines’ lander, Odysseus, lasted longer than the company anticipated after it ended up on its side with hobbled solar power and communication.
The end came as flight controllers received one last photo from Odysseus and commanded its computer and power systems to standby. That way, the lander can wake up in another two to three weeks — if it survives the bitterly cold lunar night. Intuitive Machines spokesman Josh Marshall said these final steps drained the lander’s batteries and put Odysseus “down for a long nap.”
“Good night, Odie. We hope to hear from you again,” the company said via X, formerly Twitter.
Before losing power, Odysseus sent back what Intuitive Machines called “a fitting farewell transmission.”
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
What to know about a bus crash that killed 8 Mexican farmworkers in Florida
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Angela Bassett pays tribute to 9
Meryl Streep, 74, says 'she's in awe of actresses who are producing movies themselves'
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Phillip Schofield returns to the limelight: Ex
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Colorado teen pleads guilty in death of driver who was hit in the head by a rock