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.
Kim Kardashian is relentlessly BOOED by the crowd at Tom Brady roast in her hometown of Los Angeles
China's latest missile test raises the stakes for Biden's nuclear weapons review
Pay offer a 'significant loss' to frontline officers
France to FINE patients who miss GP appointments £4.30 in bid to free up millions of slots
Georgia court candidate sues to block ethics rules so he can keep campaigning on abortion
In China, latest Minions movie gets a new ending that promotes rule of law
McDonald's is dishing out Chicken McNuggets at a discounted price
Why cat urine smells so bad: Scientists reveal what causes the unique stench
Madonna fans hail the 'iconic' age
The Elle Woods effect: Good looking lawyers have more success in court, study finds