IM-2 lunar mission: Spectacular discoveries and new technologies!

IM-2 lunar mission: Spectacular discoveries and new technologies!

On February 27, 2025, the launch window opens for the second lunar mission of the company Intuitive Machines, which operates under the name IM-2. Shortly after midnight CET, an impressive charge, the Lunar RADiometer (LRAD), is launched. This innovative instrument was developed by the Free University of Berlin (FU) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and has the task of measuring the temperature of the lunar surface in a non-contact manner.

As part of this mission, LRAD will blast into a permanently shadowed crater to not only determine the surface temperature but also search for water ice deposits. This is particularly important because temperatures at the lunar south pole can drop below -160°C, which prevents the sublimation of water ice in a vacuum. Water ice could be crucial for the long-term human presence on the moon in the future, as it can be used both for drinking water and for the production of hydrogen and oxygen.

Details of the IM-2 mission

The landing region that is the focus of the mission is Mons Mouton, located about 85 degrees south latitude and around 160 kilometers from the lunar south pole. Here, a drill with a mass spectrometer is used to actively support the search for water ice. Furthermore, an autonomous drone called Grace Hopper, around 70 cm high, is used to explore the lunar surface.

The Free University of Berlin provides four fifths of the financing for the LRAD project. The sensors were developed together with Berlin companies and optimized by the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT) in Jena, while the DLR Institute for Planetary Research can draw on valuable experience with radiometers from other space missions. The scientific data analysis and project management of LRAD are also in the responsible hands of the FU Berlin.

The LRAD project started in 2022, and researchers are excited about the results. Intuitive Machines, which became the first space company in the world to land on the moon on February 22, 2024, has established itself as a key player in lunar missions. This mission is also part of the NASA Artemis program and is carried out as part of the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

Advanced Deep Space Communications Services

In parallel with preparations for the IM-2 mission, Intuitive Machines secured additional contracts with NASA's Near Space Network (NSN) for Direct-to-Earth (DTE) services. These contracts not only strengthen the company's role as a partner for NASA missions, but also expand communications and navigation services in space.

The new contract awards include in particular DTE Geostationary (GEO) to Cislunar DTE Services and other service-related contracts in the area of ​​deep space. These measures are seen as crucial in order to meet the high demands of the upcoming missions. CEO Steve Altemus highlights how vital these data and transmission services are to navigating between Earth, the Moon and beyond.

The project period for the new contracts ranges from February 2025 to September 2029 and could be extended to September 30, 2034 with a five-year option if necessary. Intuitive Machines plans to leverage an already proven DTE data transmission network for lunar and deep space operations, supported by long-term agreements with strategically located radio astronomy facilities worldwide.

Through this combination of technological innovations, extensive research collaborations and expanded communications services, the IM-2 lunar mission and associated projects will not only advance scientific research but also represent a significant step towards humanity's sustainable presence in space. While exciting measurement results are expected from both the FU Berlin and Intuitive Machines, the international space community remains excited about developments in the coming months.

Free University of Berlin reports that the mission is of great importance in the context of NASA's Artemis programs. Furthermore informed Intuitive machines via the advanced data transfer services, while Wikipedia provides a broader historical context to lunar exploration.