CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Landing a spacecraft on the moon has long been a series of hits and misses.
Now, a U.S. company has become the first private outfit to achieve a safe moon landing. Only five countries have done it.
A lander built by Intuitive Machines through a NASA-sponsored program touched down on the moon Thursday. It ended up tipped over on its side but was working with limited communications, company officials said Friday.
The achievement puts the U.S. back on the moon for the first time since NASA astronauts closed out the Apollo program in 1972.
The moon is littered with wreckage from failed landings over the years. Another U.S. company — Astrobotic Technology — tried to send a lander to the moon last month, but had to give up because of a fuel leak. The crippled lander came crashing back through the atmosphere, burning up over the Pacific.
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Violent protests continue in Pakistan
Third person pleads guilty in probe related to bribery charges against US Rep. Cuellar of Texas
A US museum curator was detained in Turkey on claims of spider smuggling. He says he has permits
Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
Election 2024: Trump is in no rush to pick his potential vice president
Sam Rubin, beloved LA entertainment anchor and interviewer, dies at 64
Microsoft pledges $4.3 billion investment at Macron’s ‘Choose France’ summit
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Lithuania elections: Incumbent president Nausėda wins first round of election