27 February 2025 year Fr. 00:17 (UTC) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA using a launch vehicle «Falcon 9 Block 5» the lunar module was launched as part of the mission «Nova C (IM-2)» and several more satellites of the mission.
The mission of Intuitive Machines «IM-2» will be the next step in the NASA CLPS program (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) and Artemis campaigns. «New C» – this is the lunar lander, developed by Intuitive Machines under a NASA contract. «IM-2» will deliver NASA's scientific instruments and technologies to the moon, which will help to better understand the lunar environment and prepare for future manned expeditions. The landing of the module is expected not earlier 6 March in the area of the Mons Mouton plateau near the south pole of the Moon. Among the tasks is the study of volatile substances in the soil using a drill and a mass spectrometer, which could be the first step towards mining resources on the moon. Also on board will be an array of laser retroreflectors for accurate navigation of future vehicles and a jumping drone for surface research.
Together with «IM-2» several more scientific satellites will be launched, one of which – Lunar Trailblazer, which will map water on the Moon from orbit.
Intuitive Machines have already proven their capabilities with the IM-1 mission in 2024 year, when their spacecraft Odysseus successfully reached the moon. Now IM-2 promises new discoveries and technologies.
According to the CCS