intuitive machines launches second lunar attempt to find water
On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, the Intuitive Machines probe was launched from Cape Canaveral. Its mission is to search for water on the Moon. The lander is planned to touch down near the south pole of our natural satellite.
On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, the probe from Intuitive Machines was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, with its main objective being the search for water on the Moon. This mission is particularly significant because scientists suspect there may be ice in the shadowed craters near the south pole, which could be crucial for future manned missions.
The probe is equipped with a lander intended to settle on Mons Mouton, approximately 160 kilometres from the Moon's south pole. This is the second attempt by Intuitive Machines following the unsuccessful landing of the Odysseus lander.
In 2024, it crashed into the Moon's surface at too high a speed. This time, the company's vice president, Trent Martin, assures that all necessary precautions have been taken to avoid 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 6 March. The lander is equipped with a "hopping" vehicle designed to explore the area in search of water.
Competition in the race to the Moon
The Intuitive Machines mission is not the only one currently en route to the Moon. This coming Sunday, the Blue Ghost lander by Firefly Aerospace will attempt a landing, and soon after, the Japanese Ispace lander will follow.
The ongoing missions could play a significant role in future manned missions to the Moon. They aim to explore the possibilities of utilising the Moon's resources in upcoming space ventures.
