Intuitive Machines’ Second Lunar Lander Encapsulated and Ready To Launch Next Week

Charles Boyer

1 year ago

Athena completed all integration milestones and is safely encapsulated within SpaceX’s
payload fairing in preparation for launch. Photo: SpaceX

Intuitive Machines announced today that its IM-2 mission’s Nova-C class lunar lander, Athena, has successfully completed all integration milestones and is now securely enclosed within SpaceX’s payload fairing, ready for launch. This will be the company’s second attempt to land on the lunar surface.

Part of the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, Athena/IM-2 is designed to accelerate lunar exploration with NASA partnering with private industry to create lower cost landers that can gather data to inform the Artemis lunar efforts. Under CLPS, NASA contracts commercial companies to deliver scientific instruments, technology demonstrations, and other payloads to the Moon.

Launch Set For Next Week

A multi-day launch window opens NET February 26th for the launch of the lander aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The mission is set to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 7:17 PM EST (0017 UTC).

“Humanity has never witnessed three lunar landers enroute to the Moon at the same time, and Athena is ready to rise to the occasion,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “This profound opportunity to make history isn’t solely built on technology – it’s established through the relentless dedication of our people, who have turned the Company’s words about a reliable cadence of lunar missions into action.”