Houston, Texas – December 9, 2021 – Columbia Sportswear’s new Omni-Heat Infinity reflective technology will be incorporated into Intuitive Machines’ upcoming mission to the Moon. Selected by NASA to build and launch their Nova-C lunar lander, Intuitive Machines’ mission will mark the United States’ first return to the lunar surface in 50 years.
In laboratory simulations leading up to this 2022 launch, Intuitive Machines’ researchers have determined that the gold metallic foil of Columbia’s Omni-Heat Infinity will provide benefits toward insulating their lunar lander against the extreme temperatures on the Moon. In this first-of-its-kind sponsorship, Intuitive Machines is proud to partner with Columbia and its shared commitment to innovation, technology, and exploration.
“Creating and defining the lunar economy requires making the Moon available for everyone,” said Steve Altemus, president and CEO of Intuitive Machines. “Columbia embodies the spirit of exploration, and we are proud to have their support for America’s return to the Moon.”
“Inspired by the reflective technology used by NASA, our Omni-Heat Infinity technology has been tested in many challenging environments on Earth, but the Moon represents a first for us,” said Joe Boyle, Columbia brand president. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with Intuitive Machines on their upcoming mission as we continue to push our technology to new heights.”
Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the first quarter of 2022. Powered by its built-in-house 3D printed liquid oxygen and methane engine, Nova-C will deliver 130 kg of NASA and commercial payloads to the Moon. Made-in-house guidance navigation and control will guide Nova to the lunar surface by utilizing the world’s first commercially available lunar distance communication network created by Intuitive Machines. Three teams of 12 mission controllers will command and control Nova-C 24/7 during the 21-day mission from Nova Control, becoming the first Houston-commanded lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.
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About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines’ complete lunar program unlocks the lunar economy to explore the solar system further and gain knowledge for the progress of humanity. As the premier provider of space services and technologies, Intuitive Machines is reestablishing the United States’ dominance on the ultimate high ground, the Moon. Designed by the greatest minds in spaceflight, IM’s lunar program will send the first American spacecraft to the surface of the Moon since the Apollo program and send the first spacecraft ever to reach the lunar south pole.
About Columbia Sportswear:
Columbia, the flagship brand of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company, has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia has become a leading global brand by channeling the company’s passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round. To learn more, please visit the company’s website at www.columbia.com.
