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First US lunar lander in more than 50 years rockets toward moon with commercial deliveries

The first U.S. lunar lander in more than 50 years is on its way to the moon

By MARCIA DUNN
Published - Jan 08, 2024, 02:31 AM ET
Last Updated - Jan 08, 2024, 02:31 AM EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) —

The first U.S. lunar lander in more than 50 years rocketed toward the moon Monday, launching private companies on a space race to make deliveries for NASA and other customers.

Astrobotic Technology's lander caught a ride on a brand new rocket, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan. The Vulcan streaked through the Florida predawn sky, putting the spacecraft on a roundabout route to the moon that should culminate with an attempted landing on Feb. 23.

The Pittsburgh company aims to be the first private business to successfully land on the moon, something only four countries have accomplished. But a Houston company also has a lander ready to fly, and could beat it to the lunar surface, taking a more direct path.

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