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last mo.

Private Lander Athena Embarks on Groundbreaking Lunar Mission

Intuitive Machines' second lunar mission aims to explore resources near the moon's south pole and test advanced technologies for future human exploration.

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An illustration shows NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer approaching the moon as it enters its science orbit in this artist’s concept. The small satellite will orbit about 60 miles (100 kilometers) above the lunar surface, producing the best maps of water on the moon to date. Lockheed Martin Space/Handout via REUTERS
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Overview

  • The Athena lander, operated by Intuitive Machines, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center on February 26, 2025.
  • The mission, codenamed IM-2, targets a landing on Mons Mouton near the lunar south pole around March 6, aiming to explore water ice and other resources.
  • Athena carries innovative payloads, including a hopping drone named Grace and a commercial rover, to navigate challenging lunar terrain and search for subsurface ice.
  • The mission also includes the deployment of Nokia's lunar cellular network, which will test communication capabilities between the lander, rover, and drone.
  • NASA's Lunar Trailblazer satellite and AstroForge's Odin spacecraft, launched on the same rocket, will study lunar water distribution and scout for asteroid metals, respectively.