Intuitive Machines' Athena Lander to Search for Lunar Ice

Intuitive Machines, based in Houston, has high hopes for its second lunar lander, Athena, set to launch Wednesday. This multi-element NASA-sponsored mission aims to pave the way for human expeditions and search for ice.

Launch Details

The Athena lander is scheduled to lift-off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center at 7:16 p.m. EST. Following an on-time launch, it is expected to touchdown on Mons Mouton, a flat mesalike structure, on March 6, located just 100 miles from the moon's south pole.

Mission Complexity

The mission of the Athena lander is notably more complex than its predecessor, incorporating numerous upgrades to ensure a safe and upright landing. CEO Steve Altemus highlighted that they will be deploying a drill, a rover, and a rocket-powered drone for various surface operations, which will be a new experience for the team.

Scientific Goals

The Athena lander will deploy a Trident drill and mass spectrometer to analyze the ultra-cold lunar soil, as well as a rover and a rocket-powered hopper to search for ice deposits. The presence of ice would be vital for future astronauts as it can be transformed into drinking water, air, and even rocket fuel, providing in situ resources.

Innovative Technology

The Athena lander will use cellular networking equipment from Nokia for communication between the lander and its deployable instruments, marking a first-of-its-kind demonstration.

Secondary Missions

In addition to the Athena mission,
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer, a commercially-built probe called Odin, and a compact space tug called Chimera GEO will also be launched, showcasing the collaborative nature of this venture.

Mission Costs

The mission is a significant investment for NASA, with a total cost of $207 million, aimed at supporting the long-term exploration of the moon.

Future Prospects

The Athena lander represents an important step in enabling future human exploration of the moon, paving the way for further scientific discoveries and technology integrations.