SpaceX mobilizes a Falcon 9 rocket to launch a private American space mission to the Moon. Her name ? IM-1. Led by the company Intuitive Machines, it responds to an order from NASA. The takeoff can be followed live.
The SpaceX launch in summary
- What ? The departure of the IM-1 mission from Intuitive Machines to the Moon;
- When ? February 14, 2024, from 6:57 a.m. (Paris time);
- Or ? From NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, then on the Moon;
- What will we see? Takeoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
How to watch the Falcon 9 take off
The flight must be retransmitted by SpaceX. NASA will also offer your feed.
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What is the mission of Intuitive Machines?
The Peregrine mission was intended to be the first private United States mission to reach the Moon. It would have been a historic event. It would also have been the first time in more than half a century that an Uncle Sam moon landing on the natural satellite. Alas, the Peregrine mission was a failure.
However, a new attempt is planned with the IM-1 mission and the company Intuitive Machines. The goal remains the same: to become the first private American company to land on the moon. Beyond the feat, for IM-1 it is a question of meeting a service need of the American space agency (Nasa). What Peregrine was also designed for.
IM-1 will target the lunar South Polewhich turns out to be a region having a very attractive profile : this is where you have the best chance of finding water ice while enjoying almost constant sunshine. The NASA program with its private partners also plans several missions to the South Pole.
Time of rocket launch
SpaceX is counting on a departure on Wednesday February 14, very early in the morning – for mainland France. The schedule is announced at 6:57 a.m. (Paris time).
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