Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Mission Launches Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, Carrying NASA Payloads and Lunar Trailblazer to the Moon

Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, part of NASA's CLPS initiative, launched on February 26 at 7:16 p.m. EST from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission carries NASA technology and science demonstrations to Mons Mouton on the Moon, aiming to advance lunar understanding and prepare for crewed missions. The Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft, also on board, will map water distribution on the Moon. NASA's CLPS investigations will measure volatiles in lunar soil and deploy a Laser Retroreflector Array. Additional instruments will test surface communications and a propulsive drone. Intuitive Machines' lunar lander is scheduled to land on March 6. LRO mission images show landing sites for private missions by Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines. One series shows the surface around Mons Latreille, considered for Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, scheduled for February 2. Another series shows Mons Mouton, targeted for Intuitive Machines' Athena lander, scheduled for March 6, which will drill into the lunar surface for water ice and volatile searches.