Catch SpaceX IM-1 mission liftoff, booster landing and deployment (video)

SpaceX tonight launched the Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission using a Falcon 9 rocket system from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

This is the first attempt made by intuitive machines for the lunar landing under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). SpaceX said that the Falcon 9 used in this mission is the first of its kind and it took Starship level of expertise to prepare for the flight.

On the other hand, the space rocket maker has designed a fueling system and procedures to load the lander with liquid methane and oxygen while encapsulating it in the Falcon 9 fairing.

Once checked by the flight director, SpaceX conducted the liftoff and sent the rocket to space. The Falcon 9 first stage landed on Landing Zone 1 at 07:38 minutes of the mission.

Liftoff of IM-1! pic.twitter.com/Knl3Y1sGo2

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 15, 2024

At around 48:30 minutes into the mission, SpaceX deployed the IM-1 lander toward money and wrapped up the launch. There are maneuvers that the lander needs to perform to reach Moon’s South Pole.

Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 1 – completing this booster’s 18th launch and landing pic.twitter.com/p0Kg6AQ9mw

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 15, 2024

Deployment of @Int_Machines IM-1 confirmed pic.twitter.com/daPrWFkVng

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 15, 2024