Private US Spacecraft Is on Its Side on Moon With Some Antennas Covered Up, Company Says

Private US Spacecraft Is on Its Side on Moon With Some Antennas Covered Up, Company Says
The Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lunar lander captures a wide field of view image of Schomberger crater on the Moon approximately 125 miles (200 km) uprange from the intended landing site, at approximately about 6 miles (10 km) altitude, on Feb. 22, 2024. Intuitive Machines via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—A private U.S. lunar lander tipped over at touchdown and ended up on its side near the moon’s south pole, hampering communications, company officials said Friday.

Intuitive Machines initially believed its six-footed lander, Odysseus, was upright after Thursday’s touchdown. But CEO Steve Altemus said Friday the craft “caught a foot in the surface,” falling onto its side and, quite possibly, leaning against a rock. He said it was coming in too fast and may have snapped a leg.