On March 6, Intuitive Machines' lunar lander Athena had a flawed landing near the Moon's south pole, leading to an uncertain operational status. CEO Stephen Altemus expressed doubts about the spacecraft's orientation, echoing previous challenges faced by the company's earlier lunar attempts. This incident followed NASA's announcement on March 4 regarding communication issues with its Lunar Trailblazer probe. While Athena's success remains ambiguous, it is still receiving power and maintaining communication with its science equipment, although its primary goal of ice detection may be jeopardized due to landing position complications.
"We don't believe we're in the correct attitude," said Stephen Altemus, indicating the uncertainty surrounding Athena's landing position and its potential impact on mission objectives.
"Athena is meant to operate until the Sun sets at its landing site roughly 10 days after touchdown," highlighting the time-sensitive nature of the mission amidst various complications.
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