“On February 22, 2024, the Intuitive Machines IM-1 Mission returned to the lunar surface after a hiatus of several decades,” said Council Member Fred Flickinger. “From its humble beginnings on a napkin, Intuitive Machines has evolved into a diversified space exploration and infrastructure company, prepared to pioneer the commercial landscape of space.”
Houston Airports joins the City of Houston, led by Mayor John Whitmire, in celebrating “Intuitive Machines Day" on Saturday, July 20, 2024. A proclamation, signed by Mayor Whitmire during a City Council meeting on July 16, coincides with the 55th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historic first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969.
The designation honors Houston-based Intuitive Machines, a space exploration company that successfully landed its Nova-C lander on the lunar surface on February 22, 2024, marking the first U.S. lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. This landmark achievement positions Intuitive Machines at the forefront of the commercial space industry, “rekindling humanity’s quest for the moon,” said Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger who represents District E, as he read the proclamation Tuesday. “This mission signifies a bold leap into a new era of commercial lunar science and exploration.”
Intuitive Machines is an American company headquartered at the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport. It was founded in 2013 by Stephen Altemus, Kam Ghaffarian and Tim Crain. Intuitive Machines is completing its lunar program which will provide lunar surface access, lunar orbit delivery and communications at lunar distance.
“On February 22, 2024, the Intuitive Machines IM-1 Mission returned to the lunar surface after a hiatus of several decades,” said Council Member Fred Flickinger, who represents District E, which include the Houston Spaceport. “From its humble beginnings on a napkin, Intuitive Machines has evolved into a diversified space exploration and infrastructure company, prepared to pioneer the commercial landscape of space.”
The mission, the first by any private company in the world to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon, rekindled humanity's interest in lunar exploration.
The Houston Spaceport secured its place in history as well.
The Nova-C Lander was built, tested, and optimized at the heart of Houston spaceport, highlighting its crucial role in lunar exploration.
“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 States' return to the Moon will have Houston, Texas, stamped on the shipping container that 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.”
Houston Airports secured the 10th FAA license for a commercial spaceport in 2015. In less than a decade, “Houston Airports has developed what was essentially an empty parcel of land into the world’s fastest-growing spaceport and a hub for innovation, with the top names in commercial space development, like Intuitive Machines, Collins Aerospace, and Axiom Space,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “The innovative spirit of Houston Airports and its aerospace partners has once again helped to thrust Houston to the forefront of space exploration.”
IM-1 Lunar Mission is a trailblazing mission aimed at creating a commercial lunar economy, “delivering commercial payloads and NASA science and technology payloads that will pave the way for a sustainable human presence on and around the moon,” said Flickinger.
Notably, 18 student interns from San Jacinto College's EDGE Center, located at the Houston Spaceport, contributed to the development of the Nova-C lander. The San Jacinto College EDGE Center offers aerospace training and a pathway to improve your current or launch a new exciting career in the aerospace industry and has been instrumental in providing workforce training and education, further cementing the strong ties between academic institutions and the commercial space industry.
RELATED | Houston Airports celebrates successful lunar landing of the Intuitive Machines Nova-C
“Not only have they been one of the top-ranked junior colleges for years now, every in-district student is able to attend for free,” said Flickinger. “The 18 student interns mark a significant achievement for both the college and the students involved.”
Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of recognizing local contributions to space exploration. “We spend so much time recruiting businesses to Houston, which is a proper role, but we can’t overlook our participants that are doing such a fine job and have been for so long,” he said. “It’s an excellent example of public/private partnership.”
The successful landing, which took place further south on the lunar surface than any previous mission, underscored Houston's enduring legacy in space exploration. The city, nicknamed "Space City," is home to the Johnson Space Center and has played a pivotal role in numerous landmark space missions.
In a symbolic gesture connecting past and present achievements in space exploration, Mayor Whitmire proclaimed, “I, John Whitmire, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim July 20, 2024, as Intuitive Machines Day here in Houston.”
“Intuitive Machines grew up as a company alongside the Houston Spaceport. We’re proud to build upon that foundation with the strong commitment and support from Space City, Texas, and local partners,” read a social media message posted by the company on X.
The July 20 celebration marks a significant moment for Houston, solidifying its position at the forefront of a new era of commercial space exploration.
About the Houston Spaceport | Owned and managed by the Houston Airport System, the Houston Spaceport has a clear goal to create a focal point for aerospace innovation with a cluster of aerospace companies that will lead the nation in the transition from a government-driven to a commercially driven space program. Licensed for horizontal launch by the FAA in 2015, the Houston Spaceport is the nation's 10th commercial spaceport. It is working to create meaningful, tangible value for tenants and partners by ensuring our aerospace cluster offers the crucial tools and facilities to support aviation and space businesses. The Houston Spaceport is located at Ellington Airport.