Intuitive Machines’ Athena Mission Concludes After Sideways Moon Landing

Intuitive Machines' lunar lander, Athena, has concluded its mission after a challenging landing on the moon. The spacecraft, which aimed to be the first U.S. commercial lander to successfully touch down on the lunar surface, encountered difficulties during its descent, ultimately landing sideways in a crater. This unexpected orientation prevented the lander from establishing communication and collecting data as intended.

The mission, part of NASA's broader effort to encourage private sector involvement in space exploration, drew significant attention from the scientific community and the public. Despite the setback, Intuitive Machines and NASA officials have expressed optimism about the lessons learned, which they believe will contribute to future lunar missions.

The stock of Intuitive Machines experienced fluctuations following the news of the landing, reflecting investor reactions to the mission's outcome. While the immediate goal was not achieved, the attempt has been hailed as a step forward in the ongoing quest to explore and eventually inhabit the moon.

• Athena
• Intuitive Machines
• Moon
• NASA

Detailed News about Intuitive Machines

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Intuitive Machines' Athena space craft declared dead after landing sideways in a crater on the moon

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Related issues news

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.

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.”

When was the moon landing?

On July 20, 1969, humans walked on the Moon for the first time.

Who owns Athena Moon Lander?

Intuitive Machines, the Houston-based company that was set to deliver a historic water-hunting mission to the moon's south pole, announced Friday that its Athena lander has powered down just one day after arriving at the lunar surface.

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