Goonhilly Earth Station, global leader in satellite and deep space communications, has played a crucial role in supporting Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission, which landed yesterday at near the Malapert A crater in the South Pole of the Moon. This groundbreaking commercial mission is the first of its kind to achieve a soft lunar landing.
Intuitive Machines, as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, is contributing to NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration efforts. The science and technology payloads deployed on the Moon’s surface as part of CLPS will lay the foundation for future human missions and a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
With a proven record of providing reliable communication services beyond geostationary orbit (~36,000km from Earth), Goonhilly’s seasoned operations team has supported numerous government and private missions to the Moon and beyond, for the likes of ESA, NASA, ispace, and ISRO.
As the world’s first commercial deep space ground station, Goonhilly’s unique commercial experience and commitment to advancing space exploration is crucial in providing critical communications capacity for a surge in the number of private missions and new players entering the market.
Goonhilly’s support for Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission has spanned its entirety – from the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) to cruise, lunar orbit, and now on-surface operations. The services provided include Tracking, Telemetry, and Control (TT&C), ranging, and data downlink. Throughout the mission, communication has been maintained with Intuitive Machines’ Houston-based Mission Operations Centre, “Nova Control”.
Goonhilly plays a crucial role in Intuitive Machines’ “Lunar Tracking, Telemetry & Command Network”, consisting of nine large antennas strategically positioned across seven global locations. These antennas facilitate the seamless exchange of information with the spacecraft as it becomes visible and are essential to the overall success of the mission.
In preparation for IM-1, Goonhilly has demonstrated its readiness through joint exercises with Intuitive Machines, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and other ground stations associated with the mission. This global collaborative effort ensures a seamless integration of communication services across the lunar mission’s lifespan.
Ian Jones, Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd:
“This is a milestone moment for commercial space missions. Goonhilly’s international expansion reinforces our dedication to meeting the growing demands of the space industry. We are at the forefront of space commercialisation and are excited to be driving the future of space communications and enabling the success of transformative missions like IM-1. We are thrilled to continue to provide sovereign capability from the UK to support the future of lunar and deep space exploration.”
Dr Craig Brown, Director of Investment at the UK Space Agency, said:
“It’s great to see that Goonhilly’s unique space communications capabilities make it a partner of choice for many satellite companies, international space agencies and private mission operators such as Intuitive Machines.
“The UK space sector is well placed to benefit significantly from the growing global demand for commercial space exploration services, and I congratulate the whole team at Goonhilly for the vital role they have played in this historic lunar landing.”
Goonhilly’s support for Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission represents a pivotal moment for the commercial lunar sector. The collaboration presents a blueprint for private companies driving forward the exploration of our solar system.