Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Lunar Lander Sideslips: Lessons Learned from a South Pole Landing

Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, IM-2, landed on its side near the Moon's South Pole due to altimeter interference and challenging lighting conditions. CEO Steve Altemus stated that while both IM-1 and IM-2 experienced landings that resulted in the lander tipping over, NASA considers each CLPS mission a success as lessons learned advance the goal of establishing a lunar economy. The IM-2 mishap was attributed to laser altimeter signal noise, long shadows and low-angle sunlight from the unique South Pole terrain, and insufficient low-altitude resolution in NASA's LRO imagery. IM is improving the landing system for IM-3, including redundant altimeters, a lighting-independent sensor, and enhanced navigation algorithms, targeting Reiner Gamma near the lunar equator.