Trent Martin Senior Vice President of Space Systems
Ahead of its Saturday, December 14 grand opening, Houston Airports previewed the new International Arrivals Curb at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Thursday, December 12, with a special appearance by Intuitive Machines’ Moon RACER lunar rover. Trent Martin, senior vice president of space systems at Intuitive Machines, looked the part as he drove the rover along the curb, connecting Houston’s aerospace achievements to its global travel infrastructure.
The International Arrivals Curb replaces the crowded and chaotic Terminal E temporary pickup zone. This new area features expanded lanes, better organization, and a safer design, addressing passenger frustrations from the past two years.
"With the opening of the new International Arrivals Curb, we’ve listened to feedback, addressed frustrations and delivered a safer, more streamlined solution. This marks a new chapter in how we serve our passengers, fulfilling our commitment to providing a world-class experience while laying the groundwork for the future of international travel in Houston," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports.
Intuitive Machines’ Moon RACER highlighted Houston’s commitment to space exploration during the celebration. "Houston’s identity as Space City is built on a foundation of innovation, connectivity and bold ambitions," said Jack Fischer, Intuitive Machines vice president and former NASA astronaut. "As Intuitive Machines competes in humankind’s next space race, through NASA’s lunar terrain vehicle contract, having seamless global connections is critical not just for our team but for the growing network of aerospace companies in Houston. This terminal is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a gateway to the future of exploration, innovation and discovery."
In April, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines a contract to study the feasibility of deploying a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) to the Moon. Moon RACER’s design reflects this mission, with features like hazard avoidance, data relay, and adaptability for both crewed and autonomous operations. The vehicle, roughly the size of a pickup truck, could be a critical step toward enabling future Artemis missions and beyond. Earlier this year, Intuitive Machines delivered a prototype to NASA for testing and conducted additional trials in Arizona this month.
The International Arrivals Curb launch and the Moon RACER’s showcase highlight Houston’s dual leadership in transportation and space innovation. As passengers use the upgraded curb, they can take pride in being part of a city that continues to lead the way in exploration and discovery. View .pdf