- Odysseus is believed to be laying horizontal on the lunar surface after landing
- Intuitive Machines said the ‘soft landing’ was based on old data
NASA has confirmed that the first private owned spacecraft to land on the moon has ‘tipped over on its side’ – but is ‘alive and well.’
Intuitive Machines had previously received data that Odysseus was standing with its six feet on the ground, but updates reveled the lander is laying on the lunar landscape.
The company noted one of the legs became caught, causing it to fall onto its side a day after a white-knuckle touchdown that was confirmed as a soft landing.
CEO Steve Altemus explained he and his team were not deliberately misleading the public, but was working off ‘old data.’
NASA has confirmed that the first private owned spacecraft to land on the moon has ‘tipped over on its side’ (stock)
Odysseus is believed to be getting solar power, but laying on its side is hindering radio transmission.
Altemus explained in a press conference that the craft’s foot caught the surface while moving sideways, resulting in the lander tipping onto a rock.
The majority of the payloads are in view, allowing each to collect science.
‘We are hopeful the top deck solar array is not damaged and that the sun comes around the lander to get some power,’ said Altemus, as he used a model to show Odysseus’ position on the moon.
He continued to explain in the press conference that Odysseus has much of its operating abilities regardless of being tipped over.
Intuitive Machines had previously received data that Odysseus was standing with its six feet on the ground, but updates reveled the lander is laying on the lunar landscape. The company held a press conference and used a model to show the craft’s position
