Why it matters: This article discusses the attempts by two American companies, Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines, to land on the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions. Whichever company successfully lands on the moon first will become the first private company in history to do so. It highlights the difficulty and expense of landing on the moon due to the lack of atmosphere and the challenges of navigation.
What they are saying: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson refers to the companies as “scouts going to the moon ahead of us.” Astrobotic’s CEO, John Thornton, describes the mission as a “wild, wild ride.” Intuitive Machines CEO, Steve Altemus, explains the challenges of finding a suitable landing spot in the moon’s south pole.
The big picture: The successful landing on the moon by a private company would be a significant milestone in space exploration, highlighting the capabilities of the private sector in advancing space travel. NASA has expressed its desire to send people back to the moon in the future.
What to watch: The success or failure of the Astrobotic’s mission, which may already be experiencing propulsion issues. The landing attempts by both companies and their implications for the future of lunar exploration.
My take: Landing on the moon has always been a challenging endeavor, and the private sector’s involvement adds a new dimension to space exploration. While there are risks and uncertainties involved, the progress made by these companies is exciting and could pave the way for further advancements in lunar missions and beyond.
