Intuitive machines aims for lunar success with second moon landing attempt
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Intuitive Machines probe was launched from Cape Canaveral. Its mission is to search for water on the Moon. The lander is expected to touch down near the south pole of our natural satellite.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the probe from Intuitive Machines was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, with its primary objective being the search for water on the Moon. This mission is especially important because scientists believe there may be ice in the shadowed craters near the south pole, which could play a critical role in future manned missions.
The probe is equipped with a lander set to settle on Mons Mouton, approximately 160 kilometres from the Moon's south pole. This marks Intuitive Machines' second attempt, following the unsuccessful landing of the Odysseus lander.
In 2024, the Odysseus lander crashed into the Moon's surface at too high a speed. This time, the company's vice-president, Trent Martin, assures that all precautions have been taken to prevent similar issues.
Collaboration with giants
The Lunar Trailblazer Orbiter, built by Lockheed Martin, was launched into orbit by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Onboard is the Athena lander, which will attempt a landing on March 6 at 12:00 PM EST. The lander is equipped with a "hopping" vehicle designed to explore the area in search of water.
The Intuitive Machines mission is not the only one currently heading toward the Moon. This coming Sunday, the Blue Ghost lander by Firefly Aerospace will attempt a landing, and shortly after, the Japanese Ispace lander will follow suit.
The ongoing missions could play a substantial role in future manned missions to the Moon, aiming to explore the potential of using the Moon's resources in future space missions.
