Dead Athena Moon Lander Seen Inside Its Crater Grave From Lunar Orbit

Intuitive Machines Moon Landing: Athena’s True Fate Appraised

That IM-2 Moon lander’s true fate has grabbed the attention of Scott Manley as posted in his YouTube video: “Why Did the Latest Lunar Lander Fall Over, Why Is Landing On The Moon Harder Than We Thought.” In an impressive “Citizen Science Investigation” (CSI), Manley uncovers new details about how the Intuitive Machines’ Athena Moon […]

Space can be a ruthless place. Last week, a lunar lander derailed through the surface of the moon and found itself in a cold and dark crater, putting an end to its mission before its beginning. From now on, the details recently revealed by the aerospace company based in Houston intuitive Machines relay the last moments of the Athena Lander and how the spacecraft briefly sprayed to life after updating. Athena approached the lunar surface on Thurs…

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured a photograph showing Athena, a probe sent to the Moon by Intuitive Machines and which failed to land on the lunar surface as planned. As evidenced by a photograph shared by the private company, Athena is currently lying on its side and, since the equipment's solar panels are not in the correct position to recharge energy, it is clear that the probe will eventually stop working. This' outcome 'to…

Dead Athena Moon Lander Seen Inside Its Crater Grave From Lunar Orbit

From a Space.com article: Athena, the second lunar lander from Houston company Intuitive Machines, tipped over during its touchdown on March 6, ending up on its side within a small crater near the moon's south pole. This orientation prevented the lander's solar panels from capturing enough sunlight...