Private Moon Lander Declared Dead After Landing Sideways in Crater

Intuitive Machines’ first mission ended with its lander Odysseus also landing on its side after one of the lander’s legs collapsed. 

This photo provided by NASA shows the Intuitive Machines' Athena lander approaching the surface of the moon on March 6, 2025. NASA via AP

Once again, Intuitive Machines landed sideways on the lunar surface, and this time, it was found resting on a side that prevented the solar panels from being able to keep the spacecraft alive.

“With the direction of the sun, the orientation of the solar panels, and extreme cold temperatures in the crater, Intuitive Machines does not expect Athena to recharge,” the company announced in a press release. ”The mission has concluded, and teams are continuing to assess the data collected throughout the mission.”