The first batch of photos published today on X (formerly Twitter) paints a picture of Odyssey’s successful voyage. A portrait of our blue planet is visible – a testament to the powerful camera system of the spacecraft. The series also includes “selfies” showing the landing gear design and even captured the second stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 taking off and shrinking in the distance.
A unique perspective of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln near northern Australia, as seen by @Int_Machines IM-1 on its way to the Moon 🚀 pic.twitter.com/lknFsgnblC
– Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) February 18, 2024
In addition to the visual pleasures, Intuitive Machines confirmed via X that Odysseus is in “excellent condition,” exceeding expectations and successfully passing critical milestones such as engine start-up. This feat marks a historic moment – “the first ever ignition of an engine in space using liquid methane and liquid oxygen.”
In anticipation of this event, the team continues to post updates on the X website, detailing Odysseus’ progress as it moves along its lunar trajectory.