IM-2 Mission

The mission launched by Intuitive Machines from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center recently.

• The mission aims to mine for precious resources on the far side of the moon and deploy the first lunar surface cellular network.
• About IM-2 Mission: IM-2 is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Programme to support private-sector-led moon landings.

o The mission will land on Mons Mouton, a mountain at the moon’s South Pole.

o The moon’s South Pole is of interest for its potential ice and rare minerals, seen as crucial for future space exploration.

o IM-2 will deploy NASA instruments to drill three feet into the lunar surface to search for water and carbon dioxide.

• Lunar Cellular Connectivity:

o Communication from the moon has traditionally relied on radio waves, requiring a clear line of sight between transmitting and receiving antennas.

o NASA and Nokia partnered to develop a lunar cellular network to support NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the moon before 2030.

o In January 2025, Nokia announced the full integration of its Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) into Athena.

o LSCS will use 4G/LTE technology, chosen for its reliability, performance, scalability, and future compatibility with 5G.