Odysseus continues to communicate with flight controllers in Nova Control from the lunar surface. After understanding the end-to-end communication requirements, Odysseus sent images from the lunar surface of its vertical descent to its Malapert A landing site, representing the furthest south any vehicle has been able to land on the Moon and establish communication with ground controllers. 1/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST)
Odysseus captured this image approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site. The camera is on the starboard aft-side of the lander in this phase. 2/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST)
As part of Odysseus’ descent onto the lunar surface, Hazard Relative Navigation algorithms detected nine safe landing sites within the targeted south pole region, which is an area that contains permanently shadowed regions that may be rich in resources, including water ice that could be used for future propulsion and life support on the Moon. 3/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST)
Images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team confirmed Odysseus completed its landing at 80.13°S and 1.44°E at a 2579 m elevation. After traveling more than 600,000 miles, Odysseus landed within 1.5 km of its intended Malapert A landing site, using a contingent laser range-finding system patched hours before landing. Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University. lroc.asu.edu/posts/1360 4/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST)
Flight controllers intend to collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light. Based on Earth and Moon positioning, we believe flight controllers will continue to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning. Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University. 5/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST)
@Int_Machines Which Tuesday? Tomorrow, or March 5th?
@Int_Machines Could Odysseus regain power once sunlight roles around again?
@Int_Machines But, but we once landed a tv camera on the moon 😂😂😂😂
@Int_Machines Did the Apollo missions need solar panels?
@Int_Machines Tuesday as in tomorrow, or Tuesday as in next week! 😅
@Int_Machines Tuesday (tomorrow) is a shorter operation time than the 9 days suggested at Friday's press conference. Is this because of the landing location or orientation?
Honestly guys, I love your work but transparency is so important for a publicly traded company to build trust. Everyone can read between the lines! If "Tuesday" means tomorrow then state clearly "tomorrow (27th Feb)" and highlight how this is 5 days less than you had hoped for on Friday.