SpaceX Launches Private Firm Intuitive Machines’ Lunar Lander into Orbit

Houston-based private firm, Intuitive Machines, has initiated its maiden lunar lander mission to the Moon from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The spacecraft, fondly named Odysseus, was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the aim of landing near the Moon’s South Pole on February 22. Following the launch, the rocket booster used for the mission safely returned to Earth. If everything proceeds as planned, this would mark the first successful lunar landing by a private company.