Intuitive Machines, a space exploration company, is preparing for its second moon landing mission. The company’s Nova-C lander, named Athena, is set to launch on February 26, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. This mission is part of NASA’s $2.6 billion Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which aims to send private spacecraft to the moon for research.

Mission goals and landing site

Athena is expected to land near the lunar south pole, close to Shackleton crater. The lander will drill into the surface to search for water, ice, and other gases, which could be useful for future space missions. Scientists believe that the moon’s south pole may have ice deposits, which could help in producing oxygen, fuel, and drinking water for astronauts.

Before launch, Intuitive Machines and SpaceX will conduct a "wet dress rehearsal," a test to ensure that all systems are working properly. Speaking about the mission’s preparation, Trent Martin, senior vice president of space systems at Intuitive Machines, said, "We are not currently facing any issues with the Nova C. Nova-C is buttoned up and ready to go."

Challenges and past missions

In February 2024, intuitive machines became the first private company to land on the moon. However, the mission did not go perfectly. After landing, the spacecraft tipped over, but it was still able to send signals back to Earth. The company confirmed that the lander was "alive and well," meaning it was still working despite the landing issue.

Later, in August 2024, NASA gave Intuitive Machines a $116.9 million contract as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Under this contract, the company will send six science and technology payloads to the lunar south pole for further research.

At the same time, NASA’s moon exploration plans are facing some problems. Four senior officials from NASA’s moon program resigned recently. One of the reasons for this is said to be the growing influence of SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who prefers to focus on missions to Mars rather than the moon.

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