00:00 In a historic moment marking a leap forward in lunar exploration, the US-made spacecraft
00:08 Odysseus touched down on the moon after over half a century.
00:13 However, its landing wasn't without a twist.
00:17 According to NASA and Intuitive Machines, the form behind the design and operation of
00:23 the lander Odysseus encountered a slight hiccup as it descended, causing it to tip over upon
00:30 landing.
00:31 Despite this unexpected turn, the team remains optimistic.
00:36 Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said that Odysseus "caught a foot in the surface
00:42 and tipped" as it landed, causing it to tilt over.
00:46 It was a magical, magical day.
00:49 Tim Crane, the chief technology officer and co-founder of Intuitive Machines, said at
00:54 a press conference on Friday, Feb. 23.
00:59 The chosen landing site near the crater Malaport A poses numerous challenges with its rugged
01:05 terrain.
01:06 However, it's precisely this location that holds promise for future exploration, believed
01:12 to contain frozen water crucial for sustaining a permanent lunar base.
01:18 Despite the unexpected landing position, NASA and Intuitive Machines are already gathering
01:24 valuable data.
01:25 The mission, part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program and Artemis Program,
01:31 aims to pave the way for human return to the moon.
01:35 Odysseus, standing 14 feet tall with its distinctive hexagonal shape, will embark on a seven-day
01:41 mission powered by solar energy.
01:44 NASA is keen to study the effects of the landing on the lunar soil, with additional instruments
01:50 on board for communication and exploration.
01:53 Although the laser navigation system encountered issues, Odysseus relied on NASA's experimental
02:00 laser navigation system to guide its descent.
02:03 The EagleCam, designed to capture images of the landing, was temporarily disabled but
02:09 will soon attempt to fulfill its mission.
02:12 Troy Henderson from Embry-Riddle said that his team will try to release EagleCam in the
02:17 next few days so it can take a photo of the lander from about 26 feet, i.e. 8 meters away.
02:25 As Odysseus embarks on this mission of discovery, humanity eagerly awaits the next chapter in
02:31 our journey to explore the cosmos.
02:34 [music]
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