Intuitive Machines plans second Moon landing mission soon

Intuitive Machines is preparing for its second Moon landing mission with the Athena lander, set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. The launch window opens at 7:02 pm on Wednesday, aiming for a March 6 touchdown. The Athena lander will explore the Mons Mouton plateau, carrying scientific instruments and a rover to test a lunar cellular network. This mission follows Intuitive Machines' first attempt, which ended with the lander tipping over. NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program supports these private missions, aiming to make lunar landings routine. The upcoming mission will benefit from improvements in navigation and landing technology after challenges faced during the previous attempt.