Intuitive Machine’s lunar landing goes sideways again
1 min read
Summary
Intuitive Machines’ second lunar lander, Athena, has touched down on the Moon, but the aerospace company fears it may have landed on its side like its first lander Odysseus.
This could reduce the efficiency of the craft and limit the number of scientific instruments that can be used, as well as the duration of its missions.
The IM-2 mission is in partnership with NASA to search for evidence of water on the Moon’s surface and test technology that could help return crewed missions to the Moon.
Should the issues with the craft’s orientation be resolved, drill and hopping drone vehicle Grace could be used to explore a permanently shadowed crater for the first time.