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.”
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Lecherous family doctor, 47, who 'desecrated' a terminally
Anqing developed agriculture and ecological breeding industries to expand income
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Bird flu is spreading to more farm animals. Are milk and eggs safe?
Painting new picture for Asian Games, creating better future for Asia
Qiongzhou Strait faced peak of return travel during Spring Festival migration
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
Revealed: The great town hall betrayal. Humza made big promises
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
China Focus: Record Qingming holiday box office heats up for May Day moviegoing frenzy