Athena is targeting highland terrain about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the Moon's south pole, where it will deploy three rovers and a unique hopping drone named Grace, after late computer science pioneer Grace Hopper.
The U.S. company Intuitive Machines is preparing for a lunar mission named IM-1, targeting a landing near the Moon's south pole. This mission, part of NASA's Artemis program, aims to explore the lunar surface with innovative technology including a Nova-C lander, a small hopping drone called the Micro Nova, and various rovers. The mission's objectives include deploying a drill to extract lunar regolith for analysis, particularly to study water ice content, which is crucial for future human settlements. The lander will also carry five NASA science instruments and six commercial payloads, with the mission set to launch in mid-February 2024. This endeavor not only seeks to advance scientific understanding but also to pave the way for commercial activities on the Moon.
Health & Fitness
