Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena Lunar Lander Moon Touch Down Images
Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission is currently deemed lost, as its lunar lander, Athena, touched down on the Moon, but appears to be on its side. However, it still managed to transmit a few images of the surface before the team was able to figure out the status of its ice drill, drone and two rovers for NASA.



This news tanked the company’s stock because the lunar lander needs to be upright to deploy the equipment. NASA spent tens of millions of dollars on the ice drill and then an additional $62 million for the ride up there. Most of the other experiments were from private companies, including the two rovers, all of which may be lost if Athena cannot be reoriented into an upright position.

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Athena joining a historic wave of lunar landers on their way to the Moon is an extraordinary moment. While the most vital part of this mission lies ahead, we believe this is a signal that lunar services are rapidly advancing alongside civil and commercial intent to establish a foothold on the Moon to reach further into the Solar System,” said Steve Altemus, Intuitive Machines CEO.