Altimeter problems, lighting challenges caused IM-2 lunar lander to fall on its side

Published on May 13, 2025
Intuitive Machines' Athena lunar lander, sitting on its side, after experiencing problems landing near the moon’s south pole March 6. Credit: Intuitive Machines

Problems with laser altimeters along with lighting and terrain challenges caused Intuitive Machines’ second lunar lander to fall on its side when it landed on the moon in March.

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