Goonhilly is delivering essential communications support for Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, which launched on February 27, 2025 (UK time). This marks one of several key lunar missions that Goonhilly will support in 2025, all of which contribute to the development of a sustainable lunar economy. These efforts are laying the foundation for future human and robotic operations on the Moon.
The Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:16 p.m. ET on February 26, 2025. Approximately 44 minutes later, the Nova-C class lunar lander, Athena, successfully entered its intended orbit and established first communication at 8:17 p.m. ET. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, the mission aims to conduct the first in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) demonstration near the lunar south pole. Goonhilly is providing mission-critical communications from launch through landing.
This mission is a crucial step toward validating the feasibility of extracting and processing water ice on the Moon, a development that could pave the way for lunar fuel production, life support systems, and deep space exploration.
Athena will also deliver Nokia's Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS), which seeks to demonstrate the viability of a 4G/LTE cellular network on the Moon to support future lunar exploration activities.
As governmental network capacity struggles to meet rising demands for deep space communications, reliable terrestrial-to-lunar connectivity is becoming increasingly vital. Goonhilly's expertise in deep space communications has positioned it as a key commercial partner for both governmental and private space ventures, including ESA and Intuitive Machines.
"As the space industry continues to rapidly evolve, Goonhilly is playing a key role in shaping the lunar economy," said Matthew Cosby, CTO of Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd. "By providing robust, commercial lunar communications, we are not just supporting individual missions - we are helping to build the infrastructure that will enable a long-term human presence beyond Earth."
Joshua King, Deep Space Telecommunications Investment Lead at the UK Space Agency, commented: "Goonhilly's support to commercial lunar communications is a great example of the UK's important role in global space exploration efforts. By fostering innovation and capitalising on private investment, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a sector that continues to rapidly evolve.
"The growing need for commercial services and infrastructure to sustain a long-term human presence beyond Earth offers a significant opportunity to boost economic growth and create high-skilled jobs in the UK."
Goonhilly's commercial lunar and deep space network, the first of its kind, is driving the rapid expansion of lunar exploration. The company is laying the groundwork for future industries such as off-world mining, lunar manufacturing, and interplanetary logistics.
With a rich legacy in satellite and deep space communications, Goonhilly has provided critical tracking support to major space agencies and commercial operators worldwide. Since 2021, its network has logged nearly 9,000 hours of support for missions beyond geostationary orbit, including more than 800 hours dedicated to lunar missions.
As lunar and deep space missions accelerate, Goonhilly remains committed to supporting the next generation of lunar infrastructure, solidifying its position as a global leader in commercial deep space communications. With humanity advancing toward a permanent presence on the Moon, Goonhilly continues to be a cornerstone of this transformative journey.
Related Links
Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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