Despite the setback, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said during a news conference that this second mission has made ‘considerable strides’ since the company’s first mission with Odysseus. [Courtesy: Intuitive Machines]
Key Takeaways:
Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, *Athena*, powered off after landing sideways on the lunar south pole due to depleted batteries, concluding its mission.
The lander touched down inside a crater, 250 meters from its target, and is not expected to recharge given its orientation and environmental conditions.
Despite the partial failure, Intuitive Machines considers the mission a significant step, gathering valuable data and paving the way for further exploration of the moon's rugged south pole.
NASA emphasized the extreme difficulty and high-risk, high-reward nature of these commercial lunar missions, where private providers lead the experimental endeavors.
Intuitive Machines’ second lunar lander to reach the moon’s surface—Athena—has powered off after landing sideways on the lunar south pole.
The Houston-based private space exploration company said in a joint news conference with NASA on Thursday that the lander was experiencing issues after touching down.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.
