NASA And Nokia Launch First Mobile Network On The Moon

Intuitive Machines Prepares for Historic Moon Landing with NASA Technology

Intuitive Machines, a private space company, is preparing for a historic lunar landing as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and the Artemis campaign. The company’s Nova-C lunar lander is set to touch down on the Moon’s surface no earlier than 12:32 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The lander will target Mons Mouton, a relatively flat lunar plateau near the Moon’s South Pole, to support NASA's long-term goals of lunar exploration and resource utilization.

This mission, known as Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2), marks another milestone in the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars. IM-2 will deliver crucial NASA technology demonstrations and scientific investigations to the lunar surface, potentially advancing capabilities for resource extraction, communication, and surface mobility.

Live Coverage and Media Participation

The lunar landing will be broadcast live on NASA’s streaming platform, NASA+, with coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. EST—approximately one hour before the anticipated touchdown. Leading up to the event, NASA will provide real-time blog updates on landing milestones, offering space enthusiasts and scientists the latest insights into the mission’s progress.

After the successful landing, NASA and Intuitive Machines will hold a news conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. U.S. media representatives interested in attending in person must request accreditation by 4 p.m. EST on March 5, 2025, by getting in touch with the NASA Johnson newsroom. Those wishing to participate via phone must RSVP by the same deadline and call in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled briefing.

Post-Landing Press Conference Participants:

Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

Associate Administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, Clayton Turner Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

Steve Altemus, CEO, Intuitive Machines

Tim Crain, Chief Growth Officer, Intuitive Machines

The participation of these key figures highlights the importance of the IM-2 mission in advancing lunar science and commercial space operations.

Mission Background and Objectives

IM-2 was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 26, 2025, at 7:16 p.m. EST. The mission’s primary objective is to test new technologies and conduct scientific experiments that will help future explorers harness lunar resources for fuel production and breathable oxygen generation.

Among the key payloads on board the Nova-C lander is a NASA technology demonstration designed to measure potential resources within the lunar soil. If successful, this experiment could provide valuable data on extracting water ice and other useful materials, which would significantly enhance the feasibility of long-term lunar missions.

Key Technological Demonstrations and Science Investigations

Lunar Resource Utilization: The lander carries instruments that will analyze lunar regolith (soil) for the presence of resources like water ice, which could be processed into rocket fuel or oxygen for human consumption.

Laser Retroreflector Array: A passive device on the lander’s top deck will reflect laser light from orbiting spacecraft, providing a permanent reference point for future lunar landings and improving navigation accuracy.

Lunar Cellular Network: A robust communications demonstration will test the feasibility of a cellular network on the Moon. Such a system could support future astronaut operations and robotic missions.

Propulsive Drone for Surface Mobility: The lander will also deploy a small, propulsive drone capable of "hopping" across the lunar surface. This technology could help future robotic explorers navigate the Moon’s challenging terrain more effectively.

NASA’s CLPS Initiative and Artemis Program

NASA’s CLPS initiative is designed to facilitate commercial robotic deliveries to the lunar surface, enabling private companies to contribute to space exploration. Under this program, NASA has awarded contracts to various American companies for lunar delivery services, including payload integration, launch, and landing. The contracts, which run through 2028, have a cumulative maximum value of $2.6 billion.

Intuitive Machines was awarded a contract valued at approximately $62.5 million to transport NASA’s science experiments and technology demonstrations to the Moon using its Nova-C lunar lander. By collaborating with commercial partners, NASA aims to develop cost-effective and innovative solutions to support deep space exploration.