Intuitive Machines Launches Lunar Lander in Another Attempt to Reach the Moon | WPN World People News

The latest lunar lander developed by Intuitive Machines was successfully launched into space at 7:16 PM local time on the 26th (Taipei time on the 27th) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX. The mission aims to land on the Moon and conduct a series of scientific experiments. This marks the company’s second attempt at a lunar landing. Last year (2024), Intuitive Machines became the first private enterprise to send mechanical equipment to the lunar surface, but the lander experienced a sideways landing, affecting the mission's progress. This launch seeks to overcome past challenges and ensure the instruments function properly.

The hexagonal lander, named "Athena," was launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to land on the lunar Mons Mouton plateau around March 6. This region is closer to the Moon’s south pole than any previous landing site and is believed to contain valuable resources.

Additionally, the launch carried NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer orbiter, built by Lockheed Martin. The orbiter’s primary mission is to study the distribution of water on the Moon, laying the groundwork for future exploration.

"Athena" is equipped with several scientific instruments, including a drilling device designed to detect subsurface ice layers and a special hopping drone named "Grace," inspired by computer scientist Grace Hopper. This drone will test how to navigate the Moon's rugged terrain and pave the way for future human landings.

The lander also carries a small lunar rover. These devices will communicate using technology developed by Nokia Bell Labs, testing the feasibility of a cellular network in space, which could eventually be integrated into astronaut equipment.

This launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which aims to encourage private sector participation in lunar exploration, reducing costs and making future missions more viable. The success or failure of this mission will have a significant impact on the future of U.S. lunar exploration strategy.