TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M . (KRQE) – As SpaceX and Intuitive Machines ready for the launch of the IM-1 mission, the lunar lander, Nova-C, features technology that was tested at Spaceport America.
New Mexico lawmakers approve bill to match federal funds for infrastructure
The lander will be using a laser range finder, tested at Spaceport America. The laser range finder will be on the downward side of the lander and used to help navigate the area to safely land on the lunar surface. “We are very happy that we can support testing of such a wide range of space technologies at Spaceport America,” Executive Director of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority Scott McLaughlin said in a release.
Multiple test flights with the technology were held between 2021 – 2022. The tests involved a fixed-wing aircraft and a Robinson R44 helicopter to simulate the decent process of a lunar landing.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.