SAN DIEGO — A San Diego Mesa College graduate is among the dedicated scientists and engineers who took part in Intuitive Machines' historic lunar lander mission. This is the first time the U.S. sent a vehicle to the moon since 1972 on the Apollo 17 mission.
Mario Romero not only took place in the historic project, but he contributed the name Odysseus after winning a contest amongst the other Inuitive Machines personnel.
“This journey takes much longer due to the many challenges, setbacks, and delays,” Mr. Romero said in Intuitive Machines’ press release for the mission. “Traveling the daunting, wine-dark sea repeatedly tests his mettle, yet ultimately, Odysseus proves worthy and sticks the landing back home after 10 years.”
Romero attended Mesa College from 2013 to 2015 studying astronomy and astrophysics. While attending Mesa College, he helped form the Student Veteran's Organization as well as advocated for an on-campus Veteran Resource Center.
Romero also dedicated his time to helping veterans and children experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, even being honored by veterans for his work in 2015.
After completing courses at Columbia, he graduated with a Bachelor's in Pure Mathematics and acquired a Master's Degree from U.H. Clearlake in Systems Engineering.
Odysseus made landfall on the moon around 3 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, February 22.
