Intuitive Machines' second moon landing mission launches today

Intuitive Machines is set to launch its second moon landing mission on February 26, 2025, using the Nova-C lunar lander named Athena. This mission aims to explore the lunar south pole for water ice and gases. The launch will occur from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Intuitive Machines previously made history as the first private company to land on the moon, although that mission faced challenges after the lander tipped over. The company has secured a $116.9 million contract to deliver six payloads to the lunar south pole. This launch comes amid uncertainties in NASA's lunar exploration plans following the departure of key officials.