Employees React As Odysseus Becomes First US Spacecraft To Land On Moon In Over 50 Years

Odysseus, an innovative uncrewed spacecraft, has made history by successfully landing on the moon, marking a significant milestone as the first U.S. spacecraft to achieve this feat since the iconic Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.

The event took place on Thursday, February 22, when the six-legged robotic explorer, known as Odysseus, made its descent onto the lunar surface at precisely 6:24 pm ET.

It targeted the Malapert A crater, situated near the moon's south pole, gracefully slowing from a staggering speed of 6,500 kilometers per hour (approximately 4,000 miles per hour).

The anticipation was palpable as many gathered around their screens to watch the historic moment unfold on NASA TV.

Odysseus, developed by the Houston-based company Intuitive Machines with support from NASA, managed to softly touch down on the moon's surface after orbiting approximately 57 miles above it.

A video released by NASA captured a heartwarming scene at the Scorpius Space Launch Company (SSLC) in Torrance, California, where employees and their families were seen eagerly watching the landing.

Notably, the spacecraft utilized cutting-edge fuel tanks provided by SSLC for its mission, adding an extra layer of excitement for those involved.

Upon receiving confirmation of the successful touchdown, the room erupted in cheers and applause, a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who contributed to the mission.

Employees were seen cheering after hearing the news. Credit: NASA

Dr. Tim Crain, the mission director, couldn't hide his relief and joy as he announced, "Houston, Odysseus has found its new home." 

Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface, and we are transmitting. Welcome to the moon."

Bill Nelson, the NASA Administrator, was among the first to extend his congratulations to the team, highlighting the historic nature of the achievement.

"Today, for the first time in more than a half-century, the U.S. has returned to the moon," he remarked. 

Nelson also underscored the significance of the mission being led by a commercial company, an American company, which showcases the strength and potential of NASA's commercial partnerships. 

Odysseus made the journey to space on February 15. Credit: AFP/Getty images

He concluded, "What a triumph! ... This feat is a giant leap forward for all of humanity."

The White House's official X account joined in the celebrations, expressing enthusiasm for the U.S.'s first lunar landing since 1972 and extending congratulations to Intuitive Machines and NASA's CLPS. 

"Go Odysseus! We're over the moon about the U.S.' first lunar landing since 1972! Congrats to @Int_Machines and @NASA's CLPS! As @POTUS says, 'With science, hope, and vision, there's not a damn thing we can't do as a country'. Welcome to the moon."

Odysseus, affectionately nicknamed 'Odie,' is now tasked with collecting valuable data on space weather interactions with the moon's surface, conducting radio astronomy, and exploring various aspects of the lunar environment. 

This mission began on February 15, when Odysseus embarked on its journey from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Trent Martin, Vice President of Space Systems at Intuitive Machines, expressed his excitement for the mission, stating, "Godspeed, Odysseus. Now let's go make history." 

Steve Altemus reflected on the challenges leading up to the launch, admitting, "There have been a lot of sleepless nights getting ready for this," underscoring the dedication and perseverance that brought this monumental project to fruition.