Intuitive Machines prepares for second moon landing with upgraded spacecraft Athena

Intuitive Machines is preparing for a second moon landing attempt with its new spacecraft, Athena, after its first lander, Odysseus, tipped over during its 2024 mission. The company has made 85 upgrades to improve landing stability and communication. The upcoming mission, IM-2, is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida as early as February 26. Athena aims to land near the lunar south pole on March 6, joining other landers already in orbit. Improvements include enhanced navigation tools and communication systems, allowing Athena to land at a tilt of up to 30 degrees. The mission will carry instruments to study lunar soil, even if the lander does not land upright.