Washington : The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Thursday the successful landing of the commercial spacecraft Athena on the Moon, marking a significant step in future space exploration.
In a statement, NASA said that Athena, developed by the Houston based company Intuitive Machines, landed on the lunar surface eight days after launch. The company plans to hold a press conference to provide further details on the landing, which is the second of its kind for a privately owned American spacecraft.
The company confirmed that the lander touched down near the Moon’s south pole, approximately 160 kilometres from the targeted site. While the exact orientation of the lander upon landing remains unclear, initial reports indicate that Athena, carrying advanced instruments and two small rovers, has begun effectively storing solar energy.
The solar powered lander is expected to carry out its observations and measurements for approximately ten days before lunar nightfall.
NASA considers the Moon’s south pole a priority for exploration due to the potential presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, which could support future lunar missions.
