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

Astrobotic Technology's lander, carried by United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket, is on its way to the moon in a race with a Houston company. Astrobotic aims to be the first private business to land on the moon, while the Houston company plans to take a more direct path. NASA provided funding for both companies to build and fly their lunar landers. SpaceX will also provide a lift for another lander from Intuitive Machines next month. Astrobotic's Peregrine lander is carrying various payloads, including the ashes and DNA of deceased space enthusiasts.