Intuitive Machines, Inc.The Lunar Production and Operations Center was opened today by, a leader in space exploration, infrastructure and services. Located in the Houston Spaceport In Houston, Texas, Intuitive machines Lunar Production & Operations Center is a new lunar access facility for US, NASA & global commercial partners, according to the firm.
The new 105,572-square-foot headquarters will serve as the operations center for the company’s lunar program, including the capability to manufacture multiple lunar landers and spacecraft simultaneously. Projects that will begin in 2021 include 3D printing spaces, advanced production and manufacturing areas, machine shops, R&D laboratories, clean room areas, large-scale spacecraft assemblies, and areas for research and development.
The company states that its proximity to the manufacturing facility offers advantages such as reduced testing setup costs and simplified logistics. Intuitive Machines is also able to make adjustments more quickly. The company claims that engineers can now test engine designs with small incremental changes using technologies like 3D printing.
Intuitive Machines held a press briefing on September 29 to confirm that the first mission lunar lander, Nova-C was going to be shipped in the days following the launch. This mission to deliver NASA and commercial payloads to the Moon’s south pole marks the United States’ first attempted soft landing since Apollo 17 in 1972 according to the company.
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“The Moon is no longer a distant dream; it’s a destination within our grasp, and this facility is our lunar gateway – a national asset,” said Steve Altemus, Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intuitive Machines. “We’re proud that the United State’s return to the Moon will leave this facility for launch, and we look forward to working under a roof that matches the technical excellence our employees demonstrate each day.”
Leslie Duke, Burns & McDonnell CEO-elect said: “Our work is always about more than buildings; it is about solving our clients’ challenges. While Burns & McDonnell is not designing or constructing lunar landers, we have built the propulsion, processing, testing, technology, research and manufacturing facilities needed to empower Intuitive Machines to focus safely on opening access to the Moon for the progress of humanity.”
“The opening of Intuitive Machines’ facility at the Houston Spaceport was made possible by the tireless support of teammates like Burns & McDonnell, the Houston Airport System, and Griffin Partners,” said Jack Fischer, Vice President of Production and Operations at Intuitive Machines. “The thought and support provided by our partners built a perfect home that can grow with us, removing barriers for our company to reach its potential. In that spirit, we’ve left several walls that are simply white; they are empty pages in a future history book. One which we look forward to writing from our new home in Space City.”