A new SpaceX launch in February will send a unique lunar explorer, IM-2, carrying a pioneering hopper robot called Gracie, to the moon. The mission aims to prospect for water ice in the moon’s south pole region, a challenging task that requires specialized technology.
Gracie, developed by Intuitive Machines and NASA, is a 77-pound robot designed to perform five hops across the lunar surface, using its thrusters to launch itself up to 165 feet high. The robot will collect data on water ice presence and create detailed images of the surrounding terrain. Gracie’s technology demonstration aims to show that small, agile robots like drones can access extreme environments.
The IM-2 mission also includes a rover called MAPP, which will explore the polar region with high-resolution cameras and analyze lunar regolith samples for NASA. Another robot, Yaoki, will conduct temperature data collection on the surface. Athena, the lander carrying Gracie, is scheduled to touch down on March 6 and operate for about 10 days.
This mission marks Intuitive Machines’ second moon landing, following its successful Odysseus lander in February 2024. Private companies like Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and Resilience are also on their way to the moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/moon/crater-diving-hopper-gracie-will-launch-to-the-moon-aboard-private-athena-lander-this-month