Intuitive Machines' Lunar Lander Athena Fails After Sideways Landing
Intuitive Machines' lunar lander Athena lands sideways in a crater near the Moon's south pole, ending its mission early due to power loss.
The failure of Athena, which was packed with scientific probes and experiments that Nasa was relying on as it prepares to send astronauts back to the moon for the first time since 1972, was almost identical to IM’s first moon landing in February 2024.
Athena spacecraft declared dead after toppling over on moon
The Guardian·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The shortcomings of IM-2 are in contrast to the successful landing of a different private craft on Sunday by the company Blue Ghost in a different area of the Moon.
Intuitive Machines: spacecraft can't complete Moon mission
BBC News·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Athena performed flawlessly from launch to lunar orbit and most of the way to the lunar surface.
Athena moon mission comes to early end after lander tips over in off-target touchdown in a crater
CBS News·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The south polar region of the moon is particularly difficult to reach and operate on given the harsh sun angles, limited communications with Earth and uncharted, rugged terrain.
Private lunar lander is declared dead after landing sideways in a crater near the moon's south pole
Associated Press·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
Intuitive Machines' lunar lander Athena ended its mission prematurely after landing sideways in a lunar crater. This was its second attempt to land successfully. Despite generating power initially, harsh conditions and the lander's position hampered further operations. NASA's experiments aboard included a regolith drill aimed at finding water. Athena's crash comes as the company prepares for future lunar missions, with lessons learned from its operational failures.
Perspectives
Athena, a private lunar lander, experienced a failed landing attempt, resulting in the end of its mission just after touching down on the lunar surface near the south pole.
The lander was supposed to conduct scientific experiments, but its batteries are unlikely to recharge due to extreme cold and the position of solar panels, thus limiting its operational capacity.
Despite its failure, Athena accomplished significant milestones, including reaching a record southern latitude on the moon, and its data collection will inform future missions.