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3mo ago

Three Private Space Missions Target the Moon in Unprecedented Race

Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, and ispace are advancing lunar exploration with diverse goals, from resource prospecting to testing technologies for future human habitation.

Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission completed all integration milestones and is safely encapsulated within SpaceX's payload fairing in preparation for launch. This includes Intuitive Machines rideshare payloads from NASA JPL, Astroforge, and Epic Aerospace.
MIT engineers envision AstroAnt can work as one of a “swarm” of miniature helper bots.
Photo of Intuitive Machine's Athena lunar lander. © Intuitive Machines
The AstroForge Odin spacecraft is seen inside testing and development facilities.

Overview

  • Intuitive Machines launched its Athena lander on February 26, aiming for a March 6 landing near the moon's South Pole to explore water ice and test mobility technologies.
  • Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost mission, expected to land on March 2, will conduct NASA-backed experiments on lunar dust and surface conditions during a two-week operation.
  • Japan's ispace is pursuing its second lunar landing attempt, with its Resilience lander set to arrive in May or June to support its vision of sustainable human presence on the moon.
  • All three missions were launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, highlighting the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
  • The missions aim to lay groundwork for future lunar operations, including mining, resource utilization, and potential human habitation by 2040.