
A privately built spacecraft from the company Intuitive Machines did not stick its landing on the moon Thursday, winding up on its side about 250 meters from its intended location. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.
Main Idea: Intuitive Machines’ Athena spacecraft landed on its side on the moon, ending its mission after a failed attempt to reach the lunar south pole.
Key Points:
Intuitive Machines’ failed moon landing may waste taxpayer and investor money, and it could delay NASA tools meant to support future lunar work.
Firefly Aerospace’s successful landing shows private moon missions are advancing, which may help lower future costs for space cargo and science.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Central company behind the Athena lunar lander and the mission outcome.
Private space company whose successful moon landing is a major comparison point in the article.
Intuitive Machines CEO quoted about the landing and mission status.
Japanese company mentioned as planning a future lunar landing mission.
Company that built one of the rovers carried by Athena.
Institution whose researchers developed a thumb-sized rover carried on Athena.
NASA science official quoted at the briefing providing context on the moon landing effort.
Company whose 4G communications system was to be tested on the lander.
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