Intuitive Machines’ Athena Moon Lander Declared Dead After Sideways Landing
Intuitive Machines' historic mission to land on the Moon with their spacecraft Athena has come to an unfortunate end. The spacecraft, which aimed to be the first US commercial lunar lander since the Apollo era, landed sideways in a crater on the Moon, leading to its premature conclusion.
The mission, which was closely watched by space enthusiasts and investors alike, saw Athena successfully touch down on the lunar surface on March 6, 2025. However, shortly after landing, it was discovered that the spacecraft had landed in an awkward position, unable to communicate effectively with Earth or utilize its solar panels for power.
Despite the setback, the mission provided valuable data and insights into lunar landings, which Intuitive Machines hopes to leverage for future endeavors. The company's stock experienced fluctuations following the news, reflecting the high stakes and interest in commercial space exploration.
This event marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to expand commercial space activities and highlights the challenges and risks associated with lunar missions.
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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