Intuitive Machines prepares for second moon landing mission

Intuitive Machines is set to launch its second moon landing mission, featuring the Nova-C lander named Athena. The launch is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and is scheduled for Wednesday from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Nova-C lander will target the lunar south pole, near Shackleton crater, to search for water ice and gases. Intuitive Machines previously made history as the first private company to land on the moon, although that mission faced challenges after landing. The company has confirmed that all systems for the Nova-C are functioning well ahead of the launch. Intuitive Machines was awarded a $116.9 million contract to deliver six payloads to the lunar south pole last August.