Space X Rocket Launch Sends Science Lander Toward the Moon

February 15th, 11:00 AM EST

By Paula Wethington

(NEWSnet) – A rocket launch at 1:05 a.m. Thursday from Kennedy Space Center has sent a scientific research lander toward the moon.

This Intuitive Machines project with the Nova-C lander is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. The launch was via a SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, and both Space X and NASA have confirmed the lander is on its way.

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The Nova-C is expected to land on the moon Feb. 22.

The lander is carrying NASA science and technology instruments intended to provide data on radio astronomy, the lunar surface, space weather and other topics to assist in preparations for future missions. NASA plans to send a crew to the moon with the Artemis mission series.

The launch was previously expected for Tuesday, but postponed to Thursday.

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