Intuitive Machines has successfully launched its second moon lander, named Athena, on a SpaceX rocket, aiming to make history as the third spacecraft to reach the moon’s surface. The six-legged lander will spend about a week in space before attempting to land on Mons Mouton, a flat-topped mountain 100 miles from the lunar south pole.
Athena is equipped with scientific instruments and onboard payloads, including a rover built by Intuitive Machines’ own team that will deploy after landing and test the moon’s surface. The lander aims to overcome the challenges of its predecessor, Odysseus, which suffered a hard touchdown due to technical issues.
To address these concerns, engineers have made improvements to Athena’s laser altimeter. Additionally, other payloads include technology from Nokia to test 4G communications between spacecraft on the moon and equipment from Japan’s Dymon Co. Ltd and Lonestar Data Holdings.
The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to explore the moon for potential fuel resources that could support future lunar astronaut missions. Athena’s landing attempt is scheduled for March 6, with a planned surface stay of ten days.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/science/intuitive-machines-set-embark-second-moon-landing-mission-2025-02-26