Re:Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander is likely on its side...
by spdustin on Friday February 23, 2024 @05:14PM
(#39486841)
Link goes to NASA TV live stream. They stated (during the start of the press conference) that sensors indicate the machine tipped on its side on landing.
It came down with a 6 mph vertical speed, and 2 mph laterally (about walking speed). So, basically, it tripped and fell over.
They're in communications with it, and it's responsive to commands. They're hoping to get photos this weekend.
Re:Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander is likely on its side...
by shrx on Friday February 23, 2024 @05:19PM
(#39486885)
I wonder what were the driving forces for the relatively tall and slender lander, compared to the recent indian and chinese lander designs. The Falcon 9 rocket diameter probably played a big role in the design decisions.
Re:Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander is likely on its side...
by award_ on Friday February 23, 2024 @06:02PM
(#39487265)
Watching the stream now, they indicate that there's no active payloads on the side facing the moon, but there are some obstructed antennas. It's not quite clear how much that impacts communication but they also indicated that they have good comm and things seem stable.
It came down with a 6 mph vertical speed, and 2 mph laterally (about walking speed). So, basically, it tripped and fell over.
They're in communications with it, and it's responsive to commands. They're hoping to get photos this weekend.