Intuitive Machines, LLC, a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, is collaborating with NASA to prioritize the return of lunar scientific data in support of the Artemis Program. As part of this joint effort, Intuitive Machines will shift the landing site of its first mission to the lunar South Pole Region in support of NASA’s priority objectives.

“Redirecting Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission landing site is a testament to our collective commitment to supporting NASA’s Artemis Program and advancing lunar exploration for the benefit of humanity,” said Steve Altemus, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Intuitive Machines. “The Company is honored to accept the historic and scientific responsibility of bringing the United States to the lunar South Pole Region for the first time ever.”

Intuitive Machines is working closely with its stakeholders to ensure a seamless landing site change. The landing date is currently scheduled for late June 2023. This change is expected to positively impact Intuitive Machines’ backlog. More importantly, Intuitive Machines views this as a significant win for the Artemis Program.

NASA has its sights set on locations around the South Pole Region for the Artemis era of human lunar exploration. The agency has identified the South Pole Region as one with characteristics that hold promise for unprecedented deep-space scientific discoveries, like discovering water ice on the Moon. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander would become the first spacecraft to land on the Moon’s South Pole Region.

Click here to learn about Lunar Data Network (LDN) from Intuitive Machines.