Intuitive Machines launches lunar lander Athena for exploration

Intuitive Machines launched its lunar lander, Athena, on February 26, 2025, aiming to explore the moon's south pole. The lander will carry a drone named Grace to investigate a permanently shadowed crater, a first for lunar exploration. Athena is set to land on March 6, following a previous mission that ended with the lander tipping over. The company claims to have resolved past issues to ensure a successful upright landing, which is crucial for its scientific instruments. NASA is funding the mission with $62 million, while Intuitive Machines has partnered with other companies for additional payloads. This mission is part of a broader effort, with multiple spacecraft targeting the moon simultaneously.