Latest news with #SimeonBarber
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Intuitive Machines: spacecraft can't complete Moon mission
A private spacecraft that landed lopsided on the Moon does not have enough power to complete its mission, says the company Intuitive touched down on the lunar South Pole shortly after 1730GMT (1230EST) on Thursday, but it later was revealed the craft had landed on its was supposed to spend 10 days searching for water ice, but the position of its solar panels and the cold temperatures of the rocky region mean it cannot Machines partnered with US space agency Nasa to explore whether humans can live on the Moon. "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 said in a statement about the mission called year Intuitive Machines' first spacecraft also landed on its side, breaking a is unlikely that the instruments on board can now be used, including a drill to penetrate the lunar soil, a hopping robot to explore a shadowed crater, and the first lunar antenna."Clearly the mission can only have achieved a fraction of its science goals," says Dr Simeon Barber, lunar scientist at the Open the ambitious mission still achieved milestones in ongoing exploration of the made it further south than any other lander, reaching the Mons Mouton region which is a flat-topped mountain about 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole. It is considered a difficult and risky area to land in. The sun is low in the sky and casts shadow that can confuse landers trying to touch down. And the amount of sunlight reaching the craft can limit how much electricity it produces in its solar communications from Earth are also more Dr Barber says some of the instruments are likely to have been turned on briefly on Thursday, including the drill and a mass spectrometer that could identify chemicals in gases released from the lunar is likely to generate some useful scientific information, he shortcomings of IM-2 are in contrast to the successful landing of a different private craft on Sunday by the company Blue Ghost in a different area of the wants to send four astronauts to the Moon in 2027 in its Artemis programme. Its long-term goal is to take humans to Mars, using the Moon as a stepping is working with private companies to drive down the cost of space exploration, but that means accepting a higher risk of failure."In face of setbacks, it requires a steady hand on the tiller and the vision to see the bigger picture", says Dr Barber, saying that knee-jerk responses to failures could "cause damage and delay".
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Private spacecraft lands on Moon - but may be on its side
A private US company says it has landed a spacecraft close to the Moon's South Pole but fears the machine is not upright. The Athena spacecraft is communicating with Earth, but is not in the "correct attitude", Intuitive Machines chief executive said in a press conference. The company hopes the scientific instruments on board can still be deployed, including a hopping robot designed to explore a nearby crater and the first lunar mobile communications antenna. It is the second time an Intuitive Machines spacecraft has landed in an irregular position on the Moon. The company is partnering with US space agency Nasa to look for evidence of water and ice on the lunar surface, as Nasa aims to send humans back to the Moon. Athena landed shortly after 1730GMT (1230EST) around 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole in an area of the lunar highlands called Mons Mouton. Intuitive Machines says the lunar reconnaissance orbiter camera will take a picture of Athena in the coming days to calculate the craft's exact position. Athena was designed to have 10 days to complete observations and measurements with scientific instruments. They include a jumping robot called Micro Nova Hopper or Grace, which is designed to leap and fly across the Moon's surface to reach a large crater that is in permanent shade. The hopper is designed to fly 100m in height, and travel up to 1.2 miles (2km). After five leaps, it could land inside the crater with a camera to take the first images of the interior. The crater is in permanent shadow from the Sun's rays, so it has very low temperatures and is considered an ideal place to look for ice. Intuitive Machines, which made the hopper, say it can travel to places that other machines, like robots with wheels, can't reach or would take a very long time to get to. "These hoppers are really suited to the lunar environment because there's no atmosphere there, practically speaking, so doing a series of controlled leaps is a great way to move around," says Prof Simeon Barber, a lunar scientist with the Open University. The IM-2 mission is also carrying three scientific instruments made by Nasa. A drill called Trident is designed churn up rocks to reach the surface under the Moon to see if there is evidence of ice. Then an instrument called a mass spectrometer could analyse any gases that are released. And the company planned to plant a type of antenna mast developed with Nokia on the Moon that using the same 4G cellular technology as on Earth. The mission is part of Nasa's long-term goal to take humans back to the lunar surface, as the agency hopes to send astronauts in 2027 with the Artemis programme. "This is another step towards assessing the viability of the lunar South Pole as a place to go and set up future bases for humans," says Prof Barber. Experts want to explore options for building settlements and find out if there are reserves of water that could provide drinking water and potentially be turned into oxygen. "A lot of planning of future exploration is being predicated on the presence of water ice, but if you want to use it, you need to know where it is and how much there is," says Prof Barber. Nasa is partnering with a range of private companies that transport spacecraft and instruments to the Moon. It says this is cheaper than developing and blasting off their own missions. Intuitive Machines successfully landed a craft called Odysseus on the Moon in February last year, but it tipped over during the descent, meaning not all the scientific work could be carried out. Space agencies globally are competing to build human settlements on the Moon in a race to exploit resources and advance scientific understanding of other worlds. In the US, the Moon mission is seen as a stepping stone for the longer-term and much more ambitious goal of human settlement on Mars. The IM-2 mission could also help to answer broader questions about why there is ice in the inner solar system, closer to the Sun's warming rays. "The permanently shadowed regions on the Moon are kind of a store and archive of ancient water that might have been delivered to the Earth-Moon system after their formation," explains Prof Mark Fox-Powell at the Open University.
Saudi Gazette
07-03-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Private spacecraft lands on Moon — but may be on its side
WASHINGTON — A private US company says it has landed a spacecraft close to the Moon's South Pole but fears the machine is not upright. The Athena spacecraft is communicating with Earth, but is not in the "correct attitude", Intuitive Machines chief executive said in a press conference. The company hopes the scientific instruments on board can still be deployed, including a hopping robot designed to explore a nearby crater and the first lunar mobile communications antenna. It is the second time an Intuitive Machines spacecraft has landed in an irregular position on the Moon. The company is partnering with US space agency Nasa to look for evidence of water and ice on the lunar surface, as Nasa aims to send humans back to the Moon. Athena landed shortly after 1730GMT (1230EST) around 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole in an area of the lunar highlands called Mons Mouton. Intuitive Machines says the lunar reconnaissance orbiter camera will take a picture of Athena in the coming days to calculate the craft's exact position. Athena was designed to have 10 days to complete observations and measurements with scientific instruments. They include a jumping robot called Micro Nova Hopper or Grace, which is designed to leap and fly across the Moon's surface to reach a large crater that is in permanent shade. The hopper is designed to fly 100m in height, and travel up to 1.2 miles (2km). After five leaps, it could land inside the crater with a camera to take the first images of the interior. The crater is in permanent shadow from the Sun's rays, so it has very low temperatures and is considered an ideal place to look for ice. Intuitive Machines, which made the hopper, say it can travel to places that other machines, like robots with wheels, can't reach or would take a very long time to get to. "These hoppers are really suited to the lunar environment because there's no atmosphere there, practically speaking, so doing a series of controlled leaps is a great way to move around," says Prof Simeon Barber, a lunar scientist with the Open University. The IM-2 mission is also carrying three scientific instruments made by Nasa. A drill called Trident is designed to churn up rocks to reach the surface under the Moon to see if there is evidence of ice. Then an instrument called a mass spectrometer could analyze any gases that are released. A graphic showing how the Micro Nova Hopper will explore the Moon, jumping up to 100m altitude and landing in a crater And the company planned to plant a type of antenna mast developed with Nokia on the Moon that using the same 4G cellular technology as on Earth. The mission is part of Nasa's long-term goal to take humans back to the lunar surface, as the agency hopes to send astronauts in 2027 with the Artemis program. "This is another step towards assessing the viability of the lunar South Pole as a place to go and set up future bases for humans," says Prof Barber. Experts want to explore options for building settlements and find out if there are reserves of water that could provide drinking water and potentially be turned into oxygen. "A lot of planning of future exploration is being predicated on the presence of water ice, but if you want to use it, you need to know where it is and how much there is," says Prof Barber. Nasa is partnering with a range of private companies that transport spacecraft and instruments to the Moon. It says this is cheaper than developing and blasting off their own missions. Intuitive Machines successfully landed a craft called Odysseus on the Moon in February last year, but it tipped over during the descent, meaning not all the scientific work could be carried out. Space agencies globally are competing to build human settlements on the Moon in a race to exploit resources and advance scientific understanding of other worlds. In the US, the Moon mission is seen as a stepping stone for the longer-term and much more ambitious goal of human settlement on Mars. The IM-2 mission could also help to answer broader questions about why there is ice in the inner solar system, closer to the Sun's warming rays. "The permanently shadowed regions on the Moon are kind of a store and archive of ancient water that might have been delivered to the Earth-Moon system after their formation," explains Prof Mark Fox-Powell at the Open University. — BBC
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Spacecraft lands on Moon but 'orientation' unclear
A private US company says it has landed a spacecraft close to the Moon's South Pole, carrying scientific instruments including a hopping robot and the first lunar mobile communications antenna. But Intuitive Machines said it had yet to confirm the "orientation" of the spacecraft, called Athena, and was working to confirm its condition. The company is partnering with US space agency Nasa to look for evidence of water and ice on the lunar surface. Lunar landings are very difficult, and the company will be hoping the touchdown was smooth after its first craft landed on its side last year. The spacecraft Athena landed shortly after 1730GMT (1230EST). A picture should soon be released showing Athena about 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole in an area of the lunar highlands called Mons Mouton. If the landing has been successful, the craft will have 10 days to complete scientific observations and measurements. The instruments on board include a jumping robot called Micro Nova Hopper or Grace, which is designed to leap and fly across the Moon's surface to reach a large crater that is in permanent shade. The hopper should be released from the main spacecraft in coming days and fly up to 100m in altitude. It will travel up to 1.2 miles (2km) and after five leaps, it should land inside the crater with a camera to take the first images of the interior. The crater is in permanent shadow from the Sun's rays, so it has very low temperatures and is considered an ideal place to look for ice. Intuitive Machines, which made the hopper, say it can travel to places that other machines, like robots with wheels, can't reach or would take a very long time to get to. "These hoppers are really suited to the lunar environment because there's no atmosphere there, practically speaking, so doing a series of controlled leaps is a great way to move around," says Prof Simeon Barber, a lunar scientist with the Open University. The IM-2 mission is also carrying three scientific instruments made by Nasa. A drill called Trident will churn up rocks to reach the surface under the Moon to see if there is evidence of ice. Then an instrument called a mass spectrometer will analyse any gases that are released. And a type of antenna mast developed with Nokia should also be planted on the Moon that uses the same 4G cellular technology as on Earth. The mission is part of Nasa's long-term goal to take humans back to the lunar surface, as the agency hopes to send astronauts in 2027 with the Artemis programme. "This is another step towards assessing the viability of the lunar South Pole as a place to go and set up future bases for humans," says Prof Barber. Experts want to explore options for building settlements and find out if there are reserves of water that could provide drinking water and potentially be turned into oxygen. "A lot of planning of future exploration is being predicated on the presence of water ice, but if you want to use it, you need to know where it is and how much there is," says Prof Barber. Nasa is partnering with a range of private companies that transport spacecraft and instruments to the Moon. It says this is cheaper than developing and blasting off their own missions. Intuitive Machines successfully landed a craft called Odysseus on the Moon in February last year, but it tipped over during the descent, meaning not all the scientific work could be carried out. Space agencies globally are competing to build human settlements on the Moon in a race to exploit resources and advance scientific understanding of other worlds. In the US, the Moon mission is seen as a stepping stone for the longer-term and much more ambitious goal of human settlement on Mars. The IM-2 mission could also help to answer broader questions about why there is ice in the inner solar system, closer to the Sun's warming rays. "The permanently shadowed regions on the Moon are kind of a store and archive of ancient water that might have been delivered to the Earth-Moon system after their formation," explains Prof Mark Fox-Powell at the Open University.
BBC News
06-03-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Private mission carrying hopping robot to attempt Moon landing
A private US company will attempt to land a spacecraft close to the Moon's South Pole on Thursday, carrying scientific instruments including a hopping robot and the first lunar mobile communications Machines is working with US space agency Nasa to look for evidence of water and ice on the lunar landings are very difficult, and the company will be hoping for a smooth touchdown after its first craft landed on its side last spacecraft Athena is currently orbiting the Moon and will attempt to land at 1730GMT (1230EST). Athena is aiming to land 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole in an area of the lunar highlands called Mons all goes well, the craft will have 10 days to complete scientific observations and instruments on board include a jumping robot called Micro Nova Hopper or Grace, which will leap and fly across the Moon's surface to reach a large crater that is in permanent shade. The hopper should be released from the main spacecraft in coming days and fly up to 100m in will travel up to 1.2 miles (2km) and after five leaps, it should land inside the crater with a camera to take the first images of the crater is in permanent shadow from the Sun's rays, so it has very low temperatures and is considered an ideal place to look for ice. Intuitive Machines, who made the hopper, say it can travel to places that other machines, like robots with wheels, can't reach or would take a very long time to get to."These hoppers are really suited to the lunar environment because there's no atmosphere there, practically speaking, so doing a series of controlled leaps is a great way to move around," says Prof Simeon Barber, a lunar scientist with the Open University. The IM-2 mission is also carrying three scientific instruments made by Nasa.A drill called Trident will churn up rocks to reach the surface under the Moon to see if there is evidence of an instrument called a mass spectrometer will analyse any gases that are released. And a type of antenna mast developed with Nokia should also be planted on the Moon that uses the same 4G cellular technology as on mission is part of Nasa's long-term goal to take humans back to the lunar surface, as the agency hopes to send astronauts in 2027 with the Artemis programme."This is another step towards assessing the viability of the lunar South Pole as a place to go and set up future bases for humans," says Prof want to explore options for building settlements and find out if there are reserves of water that could provide drinking water and potentially be turned into oxygen."A lot of planning of future exploration is being predicated on the presence of water ice, but if you want to use it, you need to know where it is and how much there is," says Prof Barber. Nasa is partnering with a range of private companies that transport spacecraft and instruments to the Moon. It says this is cheaper than developing and blasting off their own Machines successfully landed a craft called Odysseus on the Moon in February last year, but it tipped over during the descent, meaning not all the scientific work could be carried agencies globally are competing to build human settlements on the Moon in a race to exploit resources and advance scientific understanding of other the US, the Moon mission is seen as a stepping stone for the longer-term and much more ambitious goal of human settlement on IM-2 mission could also help to answer broader questions about why there is ice in the inner solar system, closer to the Sun's warming rays."The permanently shadowed regions on the Moon are kind of a store and archive of ancient water that might have been delivered to the Earth-Moon system after their formation," explains Prof Mark Fox-Powell at the Open University.
