Intuitive Machines (IM) has selected SpaceX to launch their third mission to the Moon. Named IM-3, the company’s Nova-C lander will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 currently targeted for the first quarter of 2024 following two Nova-C missions in 2022.
Overall, IM is one of four Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) providers preparing for robotic Moon landings as part of NASA’s Artemis program — though IM-3 is not associated with CLPS. The Artemis missions will carry scientific payloads for both NASA and other commercial customers starting in 2022 in order to prepare for crewed landings.