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IM-1 Odysseus makes the first US soft Moon landing since 1972, ending up on its side
Intuitive Machines' Odysseus landed near the Moon's south pole on February 22, 2024, the first US soft landing since Apollo 17 in 1972 and the first by a private company. The lander came to rest tipped on its side, which limited power and communications duration, but NASA and the company called the mission a success as it wound down about a week later.
- Landing: February 22, 2024, near lunar south pole.
- Historic first: first US Moon soft landing in 52 years; first private company success.
- Status: lander tipped on its side during landing; limited power and communications.
- Mission duration: ~1 week before shutdown.
- Assessment: NASA and Intuitive Machines declared mission successful despite orientation issue.