Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) has achieved a milestone in lunar exploration with the successful launch of its IM-2 mission.
The company’s Athena lunar lander, part of the Nova-C class, was carried into space by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This historic mission is the first to send three lunar landers to the Moon at the same time.
Following its launch, the Athena lander successfully stabilized its orientation and began solar charging. The spacecraft also established reliable radio communication with Intuitive’s mission operations center in Houston.
“Athena joining a historic wave of lunar landers on their way to the Moon is an extraordinary moment,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus.
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“While the most vital part of this mission lies ahead, we believe this is a signal that lunar services are rapidly advancing alongside civil and commercial intent to establish a foothold on the Moon to reach further into the Solar System.”
Athena is now getting ready for a series of important engine burns to adjust its trajectory in preparation for lunar orbit insertion, slated for March 3, 2025. Intuitive Machines is targeting a lunar landing on March 6, 2025.
Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A at 7:16 p.m. ET, Athena achieved its intended orbit approximately 44 minutes after liftoff, establishing initial contact with mission control at 8:17 p.m. ET.
The IM-2 mission represents Intuitive Machines’ second lunar exploration mission, playing a key role in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative as part of the Artemis program.
As a key component of the CLPS initiative, Athena will conduct vital scientific and technological tests designed to pave the way for future human missions to the Moon.
Price Action: LUNR shares are trading lower by 6.61% at $15.41 at last check Thursday.
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