Intuitive Machines has announced that it has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch the IM-4 mission. As part of this mission, satellites will be launched into orbit around the Moon to relay data.
The IM-4 mission is implemented as part of the NASA-funded CLPS program. Its goal is to involve private companies in the exploration of the Moon. So far, Intuitive Machines has launched two vehicles to the Moon under the CLPS program. The first was the Odysseus probe, which landed on the Moon in February 2024. Despite landing in abnormal mode, it managed to complete most of its program.
The Athena machine was less fortunate. In March 2025, it tipped over during its landing near the Moon’s south pole, causing its solar panels to fail to receive enough light. As a result, the Athena only lasted 24 hours.
Despite these missteps, Intuitive Machines is already preparing for its next two missions IM-3 and IM-4, scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Their main task will be to deploy the first three satellites of the NSNS (Near Space Network Services) constellation. They are designed to relay data from the Moon and support lunar operations for both NASA and commercial companies. NSNS satellites can also carry additional payloads and scientific sensors, allowing them to perform other tasks besides data transmission.
In addition, the IM-4 mission will land a probe equipped with six NASA-provided payloads on the moon’s south pole. One of them will be a set of drills that ESA is responsible for creating. They will be involved in the experiment to search for water ice.
Earlier we reported on the fact that lunar dust could be a source of energy for space bases.
According to Intuitive Machines
