Breaking News: Bugs Bunny Reports on Texas-based Moon Mission

What's Up Doc? Texas based Intuitive Machines Launches Landmark Moon Mission

Hey there folks! It looks like our pals at Intuitive Machines are embarking on quite the adventure. They launched their Nova C lander early Thursday morning aiming to make a lunar landing that could be the first for the U.S. in over 50 years! Talk about making a grand entrance!

A Hare Raising Feat of Engineering

"It is a profoundly humbling moment for all of us at Intuitive Machines. The opportunity to return the United States to the moon for the first time since 1972 is a feat of engineering that demands a hunger to explore," said Trent Martin Intuitive Machines VP of space systems. Looks like they're channeling their inner Wile E. Coyote with this one!

Rabbit's Footprints on the Moon

The IM 1 lander cleverly named "Odysseus" after the mythological Greek hero is carrying 12 government and commercial payloads. And guess what? Six of those payloads are for NASA! They've got an $118 million contract to make sure Elmer Fudd's science projects go off without a hitch.

NASA's Not Just Along for the Carrot Ride

Now despite what you may have heard this mission isn't just another NASA gig. It's actually Intuitive Machines' show with NASA's support. They're part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative which aims to deliver science projects and cargo to the moon. Talk about being business savvy!

Hold On to Your Bunny Ears It's a Learning Experience

Joel Kearns NASA's deputy associate administrator for exploration said and I quote "Success of every landing is never assured." It's like when I'm trying to outrun Yosemite Sam while eating a carrot. It's a toss up! But hey NASA wants to use these missions to learn and develop a commercial community of landing service providers. So it's a win win!

What's on the Bunny Bucket List?

Intuitive Machines has a whopping 16 milestones they're looking to achieve with IM 1. And guess what? They've already checked off three: launch separation from the rocket and autonomous commissioning. Talk about a hare raising start!

Bugs Bunny's Guide to Moon Hopping

Now here's the scoop folks. The IM 1 lander will spend about eight days traveling to the moon and then it's time for the big descent on Feb. 22. They're aiming for the "Malapert A" crater which is about 300 kilometers from the moon's south pole. And once they land they've got seven days to explore. That's plenty of time to make some bunny footprints!

Stocking Up on Carrots

Oh and for you investors out there Intuitive Machines' stock is on the rise. It jumped from $4.98 a share after Wednesday's close. Looks like folks can't resist the allure of moon hopping rabbits!

One Small Step for Bugs One Giant Leap for Bunnies

Did you know that Japan became the fifth country to land on the moon last month? They were following in the footsteps of Russia the U.S. China and India. But let's be honest none of them can quite match the wits and charm of a certain clever rabbit. Just saying.

Oops We've Had a Few Bumps Along the Way

Now moon landings aren't always a piece of carrot cake. Japanese company ispace tried last year but ended up with a crash landing. And just last month Astrobotic encountered some problems shortly after launch. Looks like they took a wrong turn at Albuquerque!

The Bunny Trail Continues

But fear not my friends! NASA expects more missions from U.S. companies this year and China has plans to launch another lunar lander in May. Looks like the moon is the hottest vacation spot in the universe!