Several issues conspired to bring Athena down, including tough lighting conditions near the moon's south pole.

This was the company's second attempt to land on the Moon, with both missions having toppled over on the lunar surface.

Intuitive Machines said it was uncertain whether its Athena lander was upright near the moon’s south pole — standing 15 feet (4.7 meters) tall — or lying sideways like its first spacecraft ...

A render of the Chang'e-8 lunar lander on the surface of the moon. Credit ... partners to fly on the country’s Chang’e-8 lunar south pole mission, expanding its space diplomacy.