> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doge1mission.gitbook.io/doge-1/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doge1mission.gitbook.io/doge-1/documentation/nova-c-lunar-lander.md).

# Nova-C Lunar Lander

<figure><img src="/files/FV66XzCewVbI9xgEfVet" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## *- Nova-C* is a [lunar lander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_lander) designed by the private company [Intuitive Machines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuitive_Machines) to deliver small commercial payloads to the surface of the [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon).

Intuitive Machines was one of nine contractor companies selected by [NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA) in November 2018 to submit bids for the [Commercial Lunar Payload Services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_Lunar_Payload_Services) (CLPS) program. *Nova-C* is one of the lunar landers that will be built and launched under that program. The first *Nova-C* lander is manifested on the IM-1 mission to be launched in February 2024 (subject of possible change), with a second lander on the IM-2 mission in mid 2024. The IM-3 mission is scheduled to launch in  2024. All three landers will launch on [SpaceX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX)'s [Falcon 9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_9) launch vehicle.

The *Nova-C* lunar lander was designed by Intuitive Machines, and it inherits technology developed by NASA's [Project Morpheus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Morpheus). It features a main engine called the VR900 that uses [methane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methane) and [liquid oxygen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_oxygen) and produces 4,000 N (900 lbf) of thrust, and an autonomous landing and hazard detection technology. After landing, the lander is capable of relocating by performing a vertical takeoff, cruise, and vertical landing. Methane and oxygen could potentially be manufactured on the Moon and [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars) using [In-situ resource utilization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-situ_resource_utilization). *Nova-C* is capable of 24/7 data coverage for its client payload, and can hold a payload of 100 kg. The *Nova-C* lander design provides a technology platform that scales to mid and large lander classes, capable of accommodating larger payloads.

* **About Nova-C Lender:** <https://blogs.nasa.gov/clps/tag/nova-c/>