Earth, Athena and Moon

Private Athena moon lander beams home gorgeous views of Earth from space (photos)
Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, named Athena, snapped some amazing shots of its home planet shortly after launching atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Feb. 26.
Just Look At These Gorgeous Earth Shots From the Athena Moon Lander
If you haven’t been hit with the overview effect in a while, take a moment to look at these beautiful pictures from Athena, a Moon lander launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket earlier this week alongside other payloads.
Intuitive Machines' lunar lander beams back first images of Earth after launch: See photos
The lunar lander built by aerospace company Intuitive Machines launched Wednesday on an eight-day journey for its water-hunting mission on the moon.
SpaceX rocket launches private moon lander and NASA 'trailblazer' to hunt for lunar water (video)
If all goes according to plan, the Athena lander will touch down near the moon's south pole on or around March 6.
Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Lunar Lander Successfully Commissioned and En Route to the Moon
The IM-2 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:16 p.m. ET, February 26, 2025. Athena reached her intended orbit approximately 44 minutes later and established first communication at approximately 8:17 p.m. ET.
Intuitive Machines embarks on second moon landing mission with Athena lander
Intuitive Machines' second moon lander was launched on Wednesday atop a SpaceX rocket, setting off for the latest private U.S. moonshot one year after the company's first attempt ended early with a lopsided landing.
There are 3 private lunar landers headed to the moon right now — a 1st in space history
Three private lunar landers are on their way to the moon right now, a surge of exploration never before seen in spaceflight history.
Athena Spacecraft Launches to the Moon, as Intuitive Machines Aims for Historic Second Lunar Landing
The American company achieved the first successful moon landing by a private spacecraft last year. Now, it has sent a new mission to the south pole, carrying science instruments for NASA
Commercial lunar lander Athena heading to the moon with a drill, rover and rocket-powered "hopper" to search for ice
Intuitive Machines launches its second moon lander, which will use NASA and commercially developed tools to search for ice in ...
Lunar lander Athena is packed and ready to explore the moon: Here’s what on board
Intuitive Machines designed and will operate the Athena lunar lander on the company's second voyage to the moon's south pole ...
Intuitive Machines’ Athena Lander Launches on Journey to the Moon
The company reached the lunar surface in 2024, and now its second lander aims to improve on the feat. Three other spacecraft ...
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Limited edition Athena moon lander merch on sale at Columbia Sportswear now — and it'll definitely sell out
New shirts celebrate Intuitive Machines' IM-2 lunar lander "Athena" and Columbia's role shielding the spacecraft.
IM-2 lunar lander mission set for launch. Graphics show what's on board
The IM-2 is headed for an expected landing at the moon's south pole March 6 carrying a payload of exploration gear.
‘Battle-hardened’ Intuitive Machines takes its next steps toward a lunar economy
The Houston startup's new and improved lander is carting NASA and commercial payloads for a lunar cellular network and search for sustainable resources.