IM-3
Third Intuitive Machines lunar mission targeting the Reiner Gamma lunar swirl magnetic anomaly. Will deploy first commercial lunar data relay satellite.
Mission Overview
IM-3 will be Intuitive Machines' third lunar mission and its first to target a scientifically unique destination: the Reiner Gamma swirl on the Moon's nearside (7.5°N, 59°W). Reiner Gamma is one of the most prominent lunar swirls — bright, sinuous surface markings associated with localized magnetic anomalies that partially deflect the solar wind.
The mission will deploy the Lunar Vertex rover, a joint instrument package from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and Lunar Outpost, designed to traverse the swirl and measure its magnetic field at the surface. Understanding why these magnetic anomalies exist and how they interact with the space environment is a key science question that has never been studied in situ.
IM-3 will also deploy the first node of Intuitive Machines' planned Lunar Data Relay Network — a communications satellite in lunar orbit. This relay is intended to provide continuous coverage for future missions on the lunar far side and south pole, where direct-to-Earth communications can be limited.
Technical Overview
Mission Objectives
Land at Reiner Gamma
Deliver payloads to the Reiner Gamma lunar swirl, one of the most scientifically intriguing features on the Moon, associated with a localized magnetic anomaly.
Deploy Lunar Vertex Rover
Deploy and operate the Lunar Vertex rover (APL / Lunar Outpost) to traverse the swirl and measure magnetic field strength and direction at the surface.
Magnetic Anomaly Science
Conduct the first in-situ study of a lunar magnetic anomaly, investigating how localized magnetic fields interact with the solar wind and why swirl patterns form.
Lunar Data Relay Network
Deploy the first node of Intuitive Machines' commercial Lunar Data Relay Network, a communications satellite in lunar orbit to support future missions.
Next-Gen Nova-C Validation
Demonstrate improvements to the Nova-C platform based on lessons learned from IM-1 (rangefinder failure) and IM-2 (altimeter issues), targeting a fully upright precision landing.
Spacecraft
Mission Updates
No updates yet. Check back as the mission progresses.