Press Release: Intuitive Machines (IM), commissioned by NASA as part of its Artemis exploration program, launched its first lunar mission on February 15, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, culminating in the successful landing of the IM Nova-C lunar module on the Moon on February 23 at 0:23 CET. The mission is a scientific and technical preparation for future landings and stays of human crews on the Moon. Columbia Sports is also participating in this unique project, which will see the United States return to the surface of the Moon after 52 years since the Apollo 17 landing (1972).wear, whose advanced Omni-Heat Infinity technology protects parts of the Intuitive Machines Nova-C module from the extreme temperatures of space. Scientific studies, laboratory simulations and tests have shown that Omni-Heat Infinity, a metallic thermoreflective technology commonly used today as a lightweight, breathable thermal lining in Columbia clothing and footwear, can actually protect against the exceptional temperature fluctuations of space, ranging from -150°C to +150°C.
Space and lunar exploration company Intuitive Machines has been selected by NASA to use its Nova-C robotic lunar lander to deliver a payload of NASA scientific equipment and other commercial clients to the lunar surface. The IM Nova-C module, named Odysseus, launched the Space X Falcon 9 shuttle on its mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After unloading the cargo, Odysseus will collect scientific data during his stay on the moon.
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IM-1 is the first of three planned Intuitive Machine lunar landings as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Initiative Payload Services (“CLPS”), a key part of NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration mission. The scientific and technological payloads delivered to the lunar surface through CLPS will lay the foundation for a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface and the commercial development of lunar exploration.
"Creating and defining the lunar economy requires innovation beyond industry norms," said Steve Altemus, president and CEO of Intuitive Machines. "We believe that by integrating Columbia's Omni-Heat Infinity technology into our IM-1 lunar mission, we have pioneered solutions to both Earth's impending needs and the next generation of commercial space exploration that will make the Moon accessible to human advancement."
“Columbia is committed to developing and testing new technologies in challenging environments, and partnering with Intuitive Machines opens up the potential for our brand to continue to innovate. We are excited to have the opportunity to set new standards – for ourselves and the industry,” said Joe Boyle, Brand President, Columbia Sports.wear. Thanks to this unique partnership and lunar mission, Columbia Sports haswear The opportunity to use and test its technologies in such inhospitable conditions that do not occur naturally on Earth. The insights from this mission will help the American brand further improve its products and develop new technologies that will make outdoor activities accessible to everyone.
