Intuitive Machines prepares for second moon landing mission Athena this week

Intuitive Machines is set to launch its second moon landing mission, Athena, on Wednesday. The six-legged Nova-C lander will be part of NASA's $2.6 billion Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, launching from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Athena aims to land near the lunar south pole and will drill for water ice and gases. This follows Intuitive Machines' historic landing last year, which was partially successful as the lander tipped but remained operational. The company recently secured a $116.9 million contract to deliver six payloads to the lunar south pole. This launch occurs amid uncertainty in NASA's lunar plans, following the departure of key officials from its moon program.