Lunar Outpost MAPP Rover in Lunar Orbit on IM-2 Moon Mission

Lunar Outpost MAPP Rover in Lunar Orbit on IM-2 Moon Mission

Lunar Outpost's Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover is now in lunar orbit after lunar orbit insertion (LOI) aboard the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission lunar lander, named Athena. Lunar Outpost is receiving streaming data from MAPP, marking the final phase before landing. Lunar Outpost hopes MAPP will become the first rover at the Moon's South Pole region and the first commercial rover on another planetary body. Intuitive Machines expects a landing opportunity on March 6, 2025, at 11:32 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST).

Learn more about MAPP - "The New Generation of Lunar Mobility":

https://bit.ly/4kafkHz

At ten kilograms, Lunar Outpost's Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) is compact but effective, able to autonomously prospect the lunar surface for resource-rich areas, as well as accommodate additional scientific and valuable payloads seeking mobility on the lunar surface. Built on extensive research, strenuous testing, and the information gained from its predecessor, MAPP is equipped with flight-ready hardware, autonomous navigation and mapping algorithms, and the payload space to integrate Moon-bound scientific instruments.

Follow IM-2 mission updates: 

https://bit.ly/3F0yRu9

The Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission is carrying PRIME-1 and other NASA technology demonstrations and science investigations. Athena’s mission is designed to validate resource prospecting, mobility, and communications infrastructure in the Moon’s Mons Mouton region, one of nine potential Artemis III landing sites.

Commanded using Intuitive Machines’ commercial Lunar Data Network, IM-2 will be the Company’s second of four manifested lunar missions as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (“CLPS”) initiative. Through the CLPS initiative and Artemis campaign, NASA is leveraging American companies to send scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to the Moon, advancing our understanding of the Moon and planetary processes, while paving the way for future crewed missions. 

Learn more about NASA's CLPS Program:
https://www.nasa.gov/content/commercial-lunar-payload-services

Image Credit: Lunar Outpost
Release Date: March 3, 2025

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