Odysseus is expected to spend about seven days operating on the lunar surface before the landing site is plunged into lunar night, with cold temperatures rendering the spacecraft inoperable.
Tucked on board are six NASA science instruments, many of which were designed to collect data during Odysseus’ descent.
- ROLSES, or the Radio Observations of the Lunar Surface Photoelectron Sheath: This instrument will seek to measure the electron plasma on the lunar surface. Its measurements could help inform how things like astronaut spacesuits are designed, according to Intuitive Machines.
- LRA, or the Laser Retro-Reflector Array: An array of mirrors designed to reflect lasers for precise location service on the surface. This instrument could continue to be used long after the IM-1 mission concludes, serving as an aid for future missions nearby.
- NDL, or the Navigation Doppler Lidar for Precise Velocity and Range Sensing: The NDL is an experimental technology aiming to test out how future landers can make more precise landings on the moon. It’s designed to shoot laser beams to the ground to give exact measurements of speed and direction of flight, according to Farzin Amzajerdian, NASA's principal investigator for NDL.
- SCALPSS, or the Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies: This instrument will seek to study how the lunar soil — or regolith — reacts to Odysseus’ engine during descent.
- LN-1, or the Lunar Node 1 Navigation Demonstrator: This is a box-shaped radio navigation beacon that works with NASA’s Deep Space Network to provide a sort of GPS service.
- RFMG, or Radio Frequency Mass Gauge statement: The RFMG will use radio waves to determine exactly how much propellant remains in the lander’s tank. It’s particularly interesting because Odysseus’ fuels must remain at super-chilled temperatures, and its findings could help inform future missions, according to Intuitive Machines.
That's not all that's on board: "Odie" also packed art and commemorative objects for its journey.