Private lunar lander may have fallen over while landing near Moon’s south pole

Intuitive Machines said it was uncertain whether its Athena lander was upright near the Moon’s south pole — standing 15 feet tall — or lying sideways like its first spacecraft from a year ago

Sat, 15 Mar, 2025 - 09:52

Marcia Dunn, AP

A privately owned lunar lander has touched down on the Moon with a drill, drone and rovers for Nasa and other customers, but quickly ran into trouble and may have fallen over.

Intuitive Machines said it was uncertain whether its Athena lander was upright near the Moon’s south pole — standing 15 feet tall — or lying sideways like its first spacecraft from a year ago.