Moon landing attempt: Private US spacecraft enters orbit
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private U.S. lunar lander reached the moon and eased into a low orbit Wednesday, a day before it will attempt an even greater feat — landing on the gray, dusty surface.
A smooth touchdown would put the U.S. back in business on the moon for the first time since NASA astronauts closed out the Apollo program in 1972. The company, if successful, also would become the first private outfit to ace a moon landing.
Launched last week, Intuitive Machines’ lander fired its engine on the back side of the moon while out of contact with Earth. Flight controllers at the company’s Houston headquarters had to wait until the spacecraft emerged to learn whether the lander was in orbit or hurtling aimlessly away.
Intuitive Machines confirmed its lander, nicknamed Odysseus, was circling the moon with experiments from NASA and other clients. The lander is part of a NASA program to kickstart the lunar economy; the space agency is paying $118 million to get its experiments on the moon on this mission.
Related articles
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said Friday his campaign has accepted an invitation from Fox News for h2024-05-21Facemasks haven't stopped people getting Covid since February 2022, research shows
Face masks haven't protected against Covid since at least 2022, according to a new study.Researchers2024-05-21Revealed: Shocking extent of anti
Jewish professors and students have revealed the shocking extent of anti-Semitism at Oxford Universi2024-05-21Major update after teenage boy is struck down on his way to school
Police have seized a vehicle they believe may have a struck a teenager in NSW.The boy was found inju2024-05-21Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Fast-moving storms with strong winds, large hail and apparent tornadoes swept O2024-05-21Finnish carrier will resume Estonia flights in June after GPS interference prevented landings
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Finland’s national carrier Finnair said Thursday that it will resume flig2024-05-21
atest comment