The IM-2 Athena lunar lander, developed by Intuitive Machines, has completed its mission in the Moon’s southern polar region. However, it did so ahead of schedule—because it tipped over upon landing. This mishap echoes last year’s incident with the company’s first lander, IM-1 Odysseus. That one, despite ending up on its side, managed to function for some time since its solar panels could still charge the batteries.
Unfortunately, IM-2 fared worse. The designated landing ellipse was just 50 meters across near Malapert Massif, but the actual deviation was much larger—250 meters, according to the company, and up to 400 meters, per NASA. Engineers noted issues with the clarity of data from the laser altimeter, and an image sent from the lander confirmed that it had come to rest on its side inside a crater. Given that this region receives only slanted sunlight, combined with the extreme cold of the lunar night and the poor orientation of the solar panels, IM-2 has no chance of waking up again.
As a result, the two small rovers and the drill meant to extract regolith from nearly a meter deep were unable to fulfill their primary missions—though at least they managed to prove they were functional.
#space #moon #science
Unfortunately, IM-2 fared worse. The designated landing ellipse was just 50 meters across near Malapert Massif, but the actual deviation was much larger—250 meters, according to the company, and up to 400 meters, per NASA. Engineers noted issues with the clarity of data from the laser altimeter, and an image sent from the lander confirmed that it had come to rest on its side inside a crater. Given that this region receives only slanted sunlight, combined with the extreme cold of the lunar night and the poor orientation of the solar panels, IM-2 has no chance of waking up again.
As a result, the two small rovers and the drill meant to extract regolith from nearly a meter deep were unable to fulfill their primary missions—though at least they managed to prove they were functional.
#space #moon #science