Biden celebrates US leadership in historic moon landing
US President Joe Biden praises successful landing of Odysseus lander on Moon’s surface as significant advancement in American space exploration
The United States President Joe Biden hailed the successful landing of the Odysseus lander on the moon’s surface as a major advancement for American leadership in space exploration on Saturday.
On Thursday, the unmanned spacecraft, a product of a partnership between NASA and the commercial sector, made history by landing close to the lunar south pole. It was the first mission of its kind since Apollo 17 more than 50 years ago.
The U.S. president hailed the accomplishment as “a thrilling step forward in a new era of space exploration,” highlighting the collaborative efforts of public and private institutions and the critical role of American ingenuity.
Declaring, “America is leading the world back to the moon,” Biden emphasized the country’s scientific superiority and spirit of adventure.
Although the mission was a huge success, there was a little setback after landing. The Odysseus lander came to rest sideways on the lunar surface, about the size of a big golf cart. The corporation that built the spacecraft, Intuitive Machines, first said with optimism that the lander was upright.
Subsequent information, however, showed that the lander had overturned after snagging a foot on the moon, finally arranging itself horizontally with its upper part resting on a tiny rock. The mission participants remain upbeat despite this little setback.
Biden’s remarks, in light of the difficulty, emphasized America’s will to overcome barriers: “America accomplishes hard things. We meet today’s major scientific issues head-on.”
Six tests were taken to the moon as part of the mission, which was made possible by a $118 million contract that NASA awarded to Intuitive Machines. The program is a component of a larger plan to include the private sector in cargo services to foster a lunar economy and achieve cost-effectiveness.
In order to prepare for future trips to Mars, the long-term plan calls for building livable human settlements on the moon’s south pole and making use of nearby resources like ice for rocket fuel and water.
Source: AFP
