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We’re just two days away from Intuitive Machines’ first-ever mission to the moon. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the mission, highlight some interesting facts, and explore how this venture can pave the way for commercial success in the nascent lunar economy.
Pro-tip: If you haven’t already, check out this ultra-thorough press kit on the mission
The company goes into a ton of detail about the lander architecture, the payloads on board, and everything that will happen during the mission. This is an excellent resource for those interested in understanding the intricacies of the IM-1 mission.
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Story of the week: IM-1 Mission Highlights
In honor of the forthcoming IM-1 launch, this week I’m highlighting a story I wrote about the mission when SpaceX and Intuitive Machines (finally) announced the date and time for lift-off. Like many guessed, they’re targeting February 14 at 12:57 a.m. EST, with an extra few days as backup in case weather or some other issue delays launch.
Why is this mission important?
Intuitive Machines is hoping to pave the way for commercial success in the nascent lunar economy, with the company saying in the press kit that this mission’s success ‘will lay the groundwork for a burgeoning lunar economy, opening new possibilities for research, commerce, and exploration.’
Scoop of the week: Interlune Reveals Resource Extraction Plans
Last week, I wrote about Interlune, a stealthy startup founded by ex-Blue Origin leaders that closed $15 million in new funding. But the rationale for raising the capital was poorly understood. Until now.
Two of Interlune’s confidential pitch decks, dated spring 2022 and fall 2023 and viewed by TechCrunch, reveal that the startup was seeking that funding to build and test resource extraction hardware for lunar helium-3 (He-3).
Launch highlights: SpaceX Launches $1 Billion NASA Earth Science Satellite
SpaceX launched a $1 billion NASA Earth science satellite on a Falcon 9 last week, bringing to a close around two decades of development and planning. The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) spacecraft will collect data on marine ecosystems, the ocean, and our atmosphere, which will help scientists better understand everything from phytoplankton to air quality to how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon.
"PACE is going to show us the biology of the oceans at a scale that we’ve never been able to see before," Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science division, said during a media briefing.
What we’re reading: CNBC’s Michael Sheetz on United Launch Alliance Sale
CNBC’s Michael Sheetz spoke to seven bankers about the probable sale of United Launch Alliance (ULA) and revealed some interesting insights into the process. According to Sheetz, ULA is looking for a buyer who can help revitalize the company’s struggling launch business.
Related stories: Hardware Roborock’s Roomba competitor gets a robot arm
In related news, Roborock has unveiled its latest robot vacuum cleaner, which comes equipped with a built-in robotic arm. The device is designed to navigate through complex spaces and pick up debris more efficiently than previous models.
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Internal SpaceX documents show the sweet stock deals offered to investors like a16z, Gigafund
In another related story, internal documents have revealed that SpaceX has been offering generous stock options to investors like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Gigafund. According to these reports, investors who invested in the company during its early stages received substantial stock deals.
Blue Origin looks to take on SpaceX dominance with New Glenn launch days away
As Blue Origin prepares for its New Glenn launch, the company is looking to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the satellite launch market. With a new heavy-lift rocket and a growing team of engineers, Blue Origin is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
SpaceX to deploy model Starlink satellites on next Starship launch
In other news, SpaceX has announced plans to deploy model Starlink satellites on its next Starship launch. This move comes as the company continues to develop its satellite constellation and prepare for a potential lunar mission.
Fundraising: Internal SpaceX documents show the sweet stock deals offered to investors like a16z, Gigafund
As mentioned earlier, internal documents have revealed that SpaceX has been offering generous stock options to investors like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Gigafund. According to these reports, investors who invested in the company during its early stages received substantial stock deals.
Space: New ship, new year: SpaceX to deploy model Starlink satellites on next Starship launch
In related news, SpaceX has announced plans to deploy model Starlink satellites on its next Starship launch. This move comes as the company continues to develop its satellite constellation and prepare for a potential lunar mission.
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