Another private moon mission takes off: Why private companies are racing to land on the Moon
Intuitive Machines, this spacecraft is different. It’s the only privately built lander to have previously touched down on the lunar surface and lived to tell the tale.
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Athena launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 7:16 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The mission, known as IM-2, has a clear goal: a high-stakes descent to the Moon’s south pole, a region believed to be rich in water ice. If found, that ice could be transformed into drinking water, breathable air, and even rocket fuel.
A Second Attempt—With Higher Stakes
This isn’t Intuitive Machines’ first lunar landing. Last year, their lander Odysseus—nicknamed «Odie»—made history as the first U.S. spacecraft in over 50 years to land on the Moon. It succeeded where others had failed, but the mission wasn’t flawless. A wiring issue disabled its rangefinder, forcing engineers to rely on an experimental NASA backup system. Odie landed off-kilter, breaking a leg and tipping onto its side. It still managed to transmit valuable data, but the mission was cut short.
Now, with IM-2, the company is aiming for more than just a safe landing. This time, Athena carries a suite of high-tech instruments designed to probe the Moon’s surface. “This is a much more complex and dynamic and exciting mission,” said Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines. “It’s one thing to land on the Moon. And now we’re down to business on
