Intuitive Machines’ Athena Lands Sideways on Moon, Mission Declared Dead
In a significant yet challenging development for lunar exploration, the private U.S. spaceship Athena, developed by Intuitive Machines, has successfully landed near the Moon's south pole but in an awkward sideways position. This incident marks a notable moment in space exploration as it's the first U.S. lunar landing in over 50 years, though the mission has been declared dead due to the landing mishap.
The spacecraft, intended to explore the lunar terrain, unfortunately, came to rest sideways inside a crater after its descent, resulting in communication issues and an inability to fulfill its scientific objectives. Despite the setback, the achievement of landing on the Moon's south pole, an area of interest due to its potential water ice deposits, is being celebrated by space enthusiasts and scientists alike.
Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based company, aimed to pave the way for future lunar missions with Athena. The incident has sparked discussions on the challenges of space travel and the need for robust landing technologies. The company's stock experienced volatility following the news, reflecting investor reactions to the mission's outcome.
Detailed Intuitive Machines' Athena lander lands on moon
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What time will intuitive machines land on the moon?
Houston-based company Intuitive Machines put its Athena spacecraft on the moon around 12:31 p.m. ET, but the lander's exact status is currently unclear. Mission teams believe the spacecraft likely landed in an incorrect orientation that could prevent it from fully completing its mission.
What company landed on the moon?
It was the second time in less than a week that a private spacecraft has reached the lunar surface, but unlike the first landing — in which a robotic lander built by the company Firefly Aerospace touched down successfully — the outcome of Thursday's landing put an end to Intuitive Machines' mission.
When was the moon landing?
On July 20, 1969, humans walked on the Moon for the first time.
When does Athena land on the moon?
NASA just said in an update on X that the Athena lander “touched down on the Moon at approximately 12:30 pm ET.”
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