RoundupReads NASA Johnson and Intuitive Machines Workforces Join in Support of Odysseus Lunar Landing

NASA Johnson and Intuitive Machines Workforces Join in Support of Odysseus Lunar Landing

by Tyler Hines | 2024-02-28

This was no ordinary gathering when NASA's Johnson Space Center leadership and the Intuitive Machine (IM-1) team came together at the company's headquarters on Feb. 22, 2024. They were there for a unique experience, watching the live commentary of history in the making as the IM-1 NOVA-C made its landmark touchdown on the lunar surface.   

The milestone not only marked a giant leap forward in space exploration but also highlighted the remarkable achievements that humanity can achieve collectively. 

A group of people smile and pose in a crowded room.
Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche with NASA and Intuitive Machines Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) team members during the watch party of the IM-1 lunar landing. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Stafford 

With the excitement of bearing witness to the first American lunar landing in over five decades, and the first commercial vehicle to do so, agency leadership joined to celebrate the culmination of several years of dedicated work to witness the soft landing of the IM-1 lander – named Odysseus - on the lunar South Pole.  

Among many of the notable individuals present were Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche, former center director Gerry Griffin, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails, Johnson Deputy Director Stephen Koerner, Johnson Associate Director for Vision and Strategy Douglas Terrier, Johnson Director of External Relations Office Arturo Sanchez, Gateway Program Manager Jon Olansen, Deputy Director of Johnson’s Business Development & Technology Integration Office Lauren Parsons, former NASA flight controller Bill Moon, and Axiom Mission 2 Pilot John Shoffner.  

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In parallel, Johnson employees gathered onsite at the Building 3 cafeteria to show their support for Odysseus’ lunar landing.    

A group of people sitting in front of two television screens.
Members of the NASA workforce gathered in the Building 3 cafeteria at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to watch the landing of IM-1 on the surface of the Moon. Photo credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas  

The packed room was a testament to employees’ anticipation and excitement. With the support of Starport Operations Manager, Chasity Williams, and Associate Operations Manager, Greg Della Longa, the gift shop and Royal Tea and Coffee Co. were opened and staffed to offer merchandise and a variety of snacks and beverages, and Wellby Financial provided complimentary popcorn.  

Johnson Public Affairs Officer Laura Rochon spearheaded the planning and coordination of the successful event.  

During the event, attendees took part in an entertaining trivia show, receiving a multitude of mission-specific memorabilia and prizes, hosted by NASA Public Affairs Specialist Joseph Zakrzewski.  

The grand prize raffle winner received a private tour of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science laboratory, along with their guests. 

While employees waited in suspense, mission updates were continuously provided by live commentary from Intuitive Machines and NASA, with the highlight from Johnson Public Affairs Manager Gary Jordan optimistically noting, “We’re not done yet!” Finally, after a suspenseful pause, a soft landing was officially confirmed in the late evening with a touchdown time of 5:24 p.m. CST as the crowd cheered on in celebration.   

For more information on the IM-1 mission and the NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, visit the website:

Commercial Lunar Payload Services - NASA 

People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
People gather together around a television in a cafeteria.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
A group of people gather in a crowded room.
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