SpaceX Launches Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Mission to the Moon

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, carrying the Athena lander, toward the Moon. This NOVA-C lander, part of NASA's CLPS program, is the fourth launched under this initiative. Athena carries twelve scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, including PRIME-1, which will study lunar water ice at Mons Mouton. MiniPIX TPX3 SPACE will measure radiation levels. A Nokia Bell Labs payload will attempt to establish a 4G network for communication with the MAPP rover and μNova Hopper probe. MAPP will autonomously map the lunar surface, while μNova will search for ice. Landing is scheduled for March 6. The mission aims for one lunar day (two Earth weeks) of operation. The Falcon 9 also carried the Odín cubesat, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer orbiter, and EPIC Aerospace's Chimera GEO 1 transporter.