Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 Mission Update: Athena Landed Sideways & Operated Payloads, Mission Concluded
Intuitive Machines reported this morning that its Athena lunar lander is not expected to recharge.
(Houston, Texas) This morning’s press release from Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ: LUNR) confirmed that the company’s Athena lunar lander landed on its side on the Moon yesterday, about 250 meters from its intended landing site in the Mons Mouton region of the lunar South Pole, instead of a crater.
Image of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 lunar lander resting on her side on the moon courtesy of Athena via Intuitive Machines.
The mission marked the most southernmost lunar landing and surface operations ever achieved, according to Intuitive Machines.
Images downlinked from Athena on the lunar surface confirmed that Athena was on her side; after landing, mission controllers were able to accelerate several program and payload milestones, including NASA’s PRIME-1 suite, before the lander’s batteries depleted, per Intuitive.
Intuitive Machines does not expect Athena to recharge, given the direction of the sun, the orientation of the solar panels, and extreme cold temperatures in the crater.
“This southern pole region is lit by harsh sun angles and limited direct communication with the Earth,” reads this morning’s press release. “This area has been avoided due to its rugged terrain and Intuitive Machines believes the insights and achievements from IM-2 will open this region for further space exploration.”
