KANNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA crews are getting ready for its next moon mission.
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Engineers will test new technology during the mission that could pave the way for future astronaut landings.
Later this month, Intuitive Machines will launch its Athena Lander, designed to test lunar mobility and search for water.
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Last year, NASA’s first commercial lunar mission reached the moon but tipped over on landing.
Scientists hope this mission brings even more breakthroughs.
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“I am definitely looking forward to the IM-2 mission launch later this month and even more excited to see the incredible science that our tech demonstrations deliver as we get ready for humanity’s return to the moon,” said Dr. Nicky Fox with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
The four-day launch window opens on Feb. 26.
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A different lunar lander could launch from Florida Space Coast later this year.
Both missions could help bring NASA closer to returning astronauts to the moon.
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