Private lander by Intuitive Machines sends back images of Earth days before landing attempt - in pictures

  • US company Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lunar landing vehicle sent back this image before its historic touchdown. Photo: Intuitive Machines
    US company Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lunar landing vehicle sent back this image before its historic touchdown. Photo: Intuitive Machines
  • The Odysseus lander in close-up. Photo: Intuitive Machines
    The Odysseus lander in close-up. Photo: Intuitive Machines
  • The Odysseus Moon lander separates from the SpaceX carrier's second stage, which is seen in the background. Photo: Intuitive Machines
    The Odysseus Moon lander separates from the SpaceX carrier's second stage, which is seen in the background. Photo: Intuitive Machines
  • The Earth in the backdrop of a photo taken by the Odysseus lunar landing vehicle. Photo: Intuitive Machines
    The Earth in the backdrop of a photo taken by the Odysseus lunar landing vehicle. Photo: Intuitive Machines
  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasts off from a Florida spaceport on February 15, 2024, carrying the Odysseus lunar lander into space. EPA
    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasts off from a Florida spaceport on February 15, 2024, carrying the Odysseus lunar lander into space. EPA
  • This image from a video shows the lander separating from the carrier rocket's upper stage and heading towards the Moon. AP Photo
    This image from a video shows the lander separating from the carrier rocket's upper stage and heading towards the Moon. AP Photo
  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is launched from a pad at Kennedy Space Centre, seen from Port Canaveral, Florida, on February 15, 2024. AP Photo
    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is launched from a pad at Kennedy Space Centre, seen from Port Canaveral, Florida, on February 15, 2024. AP Photo