First U.S. Commercial Provider Just Days From Landing NASA Science And Technology Instruments on the Moon

With just days until the historic lunar landing of the first commercially-launched spacecraft, NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative is ready to kickstart a new era of exploration. Intuitive Machines' IM-1 mission is set to land near the south pole of the Moon on Feb. 22. The lander, named Odysseus, is carrying six NASA science and technology instruments that will pave the way for future exploration of the Moon under NASA’s Artemis campaign. This mission will be the first U.S. mission to land on the Moon since NASA’s Apollo 17 crew in 1972.

Live interviews are available on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST
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Learn more about the CLPS initiative here: https://www.nasa.gov/clps

Suggested Anchor Intro:
Last week we celebrated the successful launch of a commercial mission bound for the Moon carrying scientific instruments for NASA. Later today, that cargo will land near the south pole of the Moon, making this the first U.S. lunar landing in more than 50 years! Here to talk to us about this mission and what comes next is NASA expert, XX.

Suggested Questions:
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, in collaboration with Houston-based Intuitive Machines, is set to land later today on the lunar surface. Can you tell us about this lunar delivery to ferry cargo to the Moon?
What are some of the goals of the CLPS lunar deliveries?
Today’s lunar delivery includes six science and technology instruments for NASA. How are these types of deliveries going to help pave the way for future exploration of the Moon?
Later today, the lander will settle near the Moon’s south pole. Can you talk about why this region of the Moon is of interest?
We have heard a lot about the lunar economy. Can you describe what that means?
Where can our viewers go to watch this evening’s landing, and learn more about our future lunar exploration?

See the following sources:

• https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-lunar-payload-services/
• https://www.intuitivemachines.com/gallery