# Nova-C

> model of lunar lander developed by Intuitive Machines

**Wikidata**: [Q60760134](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60760134)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuitive_Machines_Nova-C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nova-c

## Summary
Nova-C is a lunar lander model developed by Intuitive Machines, designed to deliver payloads to the Moon's surface. With a mass of approximately 2000 kg and dimensions of 3.938 meters in height, 2.385 meters in length, and 2.19 meters in width, it serves as a key component of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The lander is powered by solar cells and a VR900 engine, enabling missions to diverse lunar regions.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: Intuitive Machines (United States).
- **Class**: Subclass of lunar lander, part of the spacecraft model category.
- **Mass**: Approximately 2000 kg.
- **Dimensions**: Height 3.938 m, length 2.385 m, width 2.19 m.
- **Power Sources**: 200 solar cells and a single VR900 engine.
- **Missions**: Supports Intuitive Machines-1 (Malapert-A crater), IM-2 (lunar south pole), and IM-3 (Reiner Gamma).
- **Operator**: Intuitive Machines.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the Nova-C lunar lander?
A: Nova-C was developed by Intuitive Machines, a U.S.-based aerospace company, as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

### Q: What are the primary mission targets for Nova-C landers?
A: Missions include delivering payloads to the Malapert-A crater (IM-1), the lunar south pole (IM-2), and the Reiner Gamma region (IM-3).

### Q: How is Nova-C powered?
A: The lander uses 200 solar cells for energy and a VR900 engine for propulsion, enabling lunar descent and surface operations.

## Why It Matters
Nova-C represents a critical advancement in commercial lunar exploration, providing a reliable and versatile platform for scientific research, resource utilization, and technology demonstration on the Moon. As part of NASA's CLPS program, it supports cost-effective access to the lunar surface, fostering partnerships between government agencies and private industry. Its ability to target diverse regions—from the south pole to unique magnetic anomalies like Reiner Gamma—enhances humanity's understanding of lunar geology and prepares the groundwork for future Artemis missions. By leveraging solar power and modular design, Nova-C demonstrates sustainable exploration practices while reducing reliance on single-use systems.

## Notable For
- First privately developed lunar lander under NASA's CLPS program.
- Modular design enabling customization for payloads and mission objectives.
- Use of solar power and VR900 engines for efficient lunar operations.
- Targeted missions to scientifically significant regions, including the lunar south pole and Reiner Gamma.
- Compliance with NASA standards for commercial payload delivery.

## Body
### Overview
Nova-C is a spacecraft model designed for lunar landing missions, developed by Intuitive Machines. It is classified under the lunar lander category and serves as a commercial platform for delivering payloads to the Moon's surface.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 2000 kg.
- **Dimensions**:
  - Height: 3.938 meters.
  - Length: 2.385 meters.
  - Width: 2.19 meters.
- **Power**: 200 solar cells provide energy, supplemented by a VR900 engine for propulsion.

### Missions and Variants
- **Intuitive Machines-1 (IM-1)**: Targets the Malapert-A crater.
- **Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2)**: Focuses on the lunar south pole.
- **Intuitive Machines-3 (IM-3)**: Explores the Reiner Gamma region.
- **IM-C1**: A commercial variant for payload delivery.

### Development Context
Nova-C is manufactured and operated by Intuitive Machines, with the United States as its country of origin. Its design aligns with NASA's CLPS program requirements, emphasizing affordability and adaptability for diverse scientific and exploratory objectives.

## Schema Markup
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Nova-C",
  "description": "Model of lunar lander developed by Intuitive Machines",
  "url": "https://www.intuitive-machines.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112270581",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuitive_Machines_Nova-C"
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  "additionalType": "SpacecraftModel",
  "manufacturer": "Intuitive Machines",
  "countryOfOrigin": "United States",
  "height": "3.938 meters",
  "width": "2.19 meters",
  "depth": "2.385 meters",
  "mass": "2000 kg",
  "powerSource": "Solar cells and VR900 engine"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nova-c_im1.htm)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nova-c_im2.htm)
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nova-c_im3.htm)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=IM-1-NOVA)
5. [Intuitive Machines Section 1.65 Letter and ODAR](https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=-460620&f_number=SATLOA2021042300055)