SANSA to provide critical TT&C support for IM-2 Lunar Mission

SANSA began tracking the spacecraft soon after launch when it entered its coverage area and will continue providing support to the Athena lander for several days after it lands on the Moon’s surface.

“Lunar missions like IM-2 are a unique opportunity for SANSA to showcase its capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the global space community,” said Tiaan Strydom, SANSA Space Operations Acting Executive Director. “Our preparations for this mission are designed to ensure excellence and seamless support services for the contracted duration of the mission.”

According to Intuitive Machines, “IM-2 mission represents a significant leap forward in lunar exploration, ready to demonstrate water hunting infrastructure services on the Moon’s surface. IM-2 is set to demonstrate lunar mobility, resource prospecting, and analysis of volatile substances from subsurface materials, a critical step toward uncovering water sources beyond Earth—a key component for establishing sustainable infrastructure both on the lunar surface and in space.” 

“Lunar missions are complex and costly; therefore, every phase of the mission requires precision and diligence. We are honoured that Intuitive Machines has placed trust in our capabilities to support IM-2, continuing our support from IM-1”, Strydom commented.

The IM-2 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, helping lay the foundation for human missions and a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. 

SANSA’s  26-metre and 12-metre diameter antennas are deployed to track the spacecraft using high-frequency radio signals in the space agency’s southern hemisphere’s coverage area, ensuring it remains on course. 

In preparation for the launch, teams from SANSA and Intuitive Machines conducted joint simulations and rigorous equipment tests at the Hartebeesthoek site. 

Strydom concluded that, “supporting missions such as IM-2 speaks to SANSA’s strategic goal to increase the generation of space-relevant knowledge and enhances South Africa’s contribution to space innovation and competitiveness.  Moreover, SANSA’s role in IM-1 and IM-2 reinforces South Africa’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing humanity’s shared knowledge of space.”