Lunar Landers Set for Commercial Liftoff

Intuitive Machines and Astrobotic are preparing for their first lunar lander missions as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Intuitive Machines showcased its IM-1 lunar lander, which is set to launch in mid-November, while Astrobotic's Peregrine lander is scheduled for a December launch. Both companies are aiming to successfully land on the Moon and deliver payloads for NASA. The CLPS program embraces a "shots on goal" philosophy, acknowledging that not every mission will be successful but that the lower costs of these missions make the risk worthwhile.