US Lunar Lander Sends Last Image Before Power Shut Down

The first uncrewed private American lander to reach the lunar surface sent its final image on Thursday before its power banks depleted because of the onset of an extremely cold lunar night. Houston-based Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus spaceship landed near the moon’s South Pole on February 22. Although the image was taken on that day, it was received on Thursday.

The company earlier stated that the tilted landing had left the vessel’s antennas misaligned and it was unable to transmit data at an optimal rate.

The photograph sent by Odysseus “showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe,” said Intuitive Machines, which also achieved the first lunar touchdown by an American spaceship since the manned Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

“Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again,” the company added.

With the onset of the long lunar night, it will be another two or three weeks before flight controllers can attempt to awaken the vessel.