Intuitive Machines qualifes VR900 engine for IM-2 lunar mission

Intuitive Machines has qualified the VR900 engine for its IM-2 lunar mission, which also advances the development of the Company’s VR3500 engine for larger cargo class landers. Designed, 3D-printed, and tested in-house, the IM-2 VR900 engine completed a full-duration hot-fire test that confirmed increased engine performance utilizing efficient design modifications. Intuitive Machines engineers are applying the design modifications and quality processes to its larger engine system while completing the IM-2 mission lander’s final assembly. The scalable VR900 engine uses an environmentally friendly mix of liquid oxygen and methane to support science and discovery payload deliveries to the Moon. Intuitive Machines first validated the proprietary propulsion system through the first-ever deep space ignition, followed by multiple restarts, repeatedly providing successful spacecraft maneuvers on the IM-1 mission in February 2024.