NASA’s Lunar Lander and Hindu Guru Connection! IM-1 mission with ‘eternal tribute’ to Pramukh Swami Maharaj to the lunar surface

The IM-1 mission features an etching on its surface that honors the service of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a Hindu spiritual leader who championed the universal human value of selfless service.

NASA’s lunar lander and ‘Hindu guru’ connection! IM-1 mission with ‘eternal tribute’ to Pramukh Swami Maharaj to the lunar surface

The American space agency NASA’s spacecraft, Odysseus¸, which is currently on its way to the moon, pays a unique tribute to the fifth guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan organization, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The IM-1 mission has an etching on its surface that remembers and honors the service of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. “Such cultural engagement between countries and companies enables the development of shared values, efforts and responsibility in the pursuit of space exploration,” Intuitive Missions said in an update.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a Hindu spiritual leader who championed the universal human value of selfless service. Born on December 7, 1921 in Gujarat, he played an important role in the growth and development of BAPS. The spiritual leader spread the principles of Hinduism and the teachings of Swaminarayan – founder of the Swaminarayan tradition. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was known for his teachings on religious harmony, community service and philanthropy.

The IM-1 mission, created in coordination with Relative Dynamics, is an eternal tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the world’s fifth guru. @BAPS Swaminarayan organization.

The etching honors the life and service of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a Hindu spiritual leader… pic.twitter.com/4gEXthJykX

— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 20, 2024

Odysseus spacecraft

NASA’s spacecraft will attempt to make soft land near the south pole of the moon’s surface on February 22. If successful, Odysseus will be the first American mission to do so in more than 50 years.

Notably, the lander carries six payloads under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The payload includes scientific instruments to measure the moon’s plasma environment. The initiative was also intended to support NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts back to the moon and even build a permanent base there.

A previous attempt to land on the lunar surface by NASA’s Peregrine mission under the same initiative in January was unsuccessful.
In addition, Odysseus will test new technologies such as a LIDAR-based sensor for descent rate and range detection, and an electrostatic dust removal system.