A technology used to protect the first astronauts to land on the moon is now on its way back to the lunar surface — and you may already have some of it hanging in your coat closet.
Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lunar lander "Odysseus" ("Odie" for short) will attempt to become the first U.S.-built commercial spacecraft to land on the moon when it tries for a touchdown near the lunar south pole on Feb. 22. The robotic probe, which lifted off Earth on Thursday (Feb. 15), will rely on its cryogenic propellant supply to power its descent to the surface. Protecting the propulsion tank from the extreme temperatures of outer space is an insulation based on what was first used by NASA's Apollo missions more than 50 years ago but has since been improved upon by Columbia Sportswear.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 54031 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2024 10:02 PM
From Columbia Sportswear:
We brought the moon down to Earth here at Sphere Las Vegas to celebrate our lunar mission with Intuitive Machines while the Nova-C lunar lander is currently flying through space with our Omni-Heat Infinity technology helping to protect against extreme temperatures.
denali414 Member
Posts: 884 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 02-27-2024 08:31 AM
That dome is just such an amazing advertising billboard. Would love to see a concert inside.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 54031 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
The pattern of gold dots on Columbia Sportswear's new long-sleeve shirt forms more than just the silhouette of a lunar lander. It also represents the company's insulating technology used to protect the spacecraft, as well as outdoor explorers here on Earth.
Inspired by IM-2, Columbia's second trip to the moon with Houston-based Intuitive Machines, the limited edition crew went on sale to the public on Monday (Feb. 24), along with a graphic tee.
posted 02-15-2024 01:00 AM
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