Intuitive Machines IM-2 lunar lander inside SpaceX Falcon 9 payload fairing.
Picture credit score: SpaceX
The newest lander to the touch down on the Moon is the Intuitive Machine IM-2 mission, known as Athena. However the craft tipped over on touchdown that result in lack of the spacecraft and fulfilling operational, and full use of its load of payloads.
New imagery from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter depicts the touchdown website terrain and locale of the misplaced to the Moon business spacecraft.
Relaxation in peace IM-2. Picture credit score: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State College
The IM-2 Athena lander hit the floor quicker than supposed and ended up on its aspect inside a 65-foot dimater (20-meters) crater.
Picture credit score: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State College
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Tipped over Athena Moon lander.
Picture credit score: Intuitive Machines
Two for 2 troubles
On March 6, the Athena lander made its manner down to aim a touchdown in Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau close to the Moon’s South Pole.
The hassle is a part of NASA’s CLPS (Business Lunar Payload Companies) initiative and the house company’s Artemis marketing campaign to determine a long-term lunar presence.
However in a little bit of a retro-replay, the IM-2 botched touchdown appears just like the IM-1 mission of the group’s Odysseus lunar lander final 12 months.
Coming in sizzling
The $118 million IM-1 Odysseus spacecraft was victorious in February 2024 in changing into the primary U.S.-built probe to make a lunar landing because the Apollo 17 human-carrying moon trek over 50 years earlier.
Nevertheless, it too was not a glitch-free trip to its supposed vacation spot, Malapert A, close to the Moon’s south pole.
That six-legged lander got here in sizzling.
The IM-1 mission arrived with a better downward and horizontal velocity than designed for, hitting tougher, skidding throughout sloping terrain, snapping off a few of its touchdown gear within the course of.
The IM-1 mission additionally tipped over, leading to less-than-optimal success.
