SpaceX rocket launches to Moon’s mysterious south pole & it could pave way for human missions

SPACEX has successfully launched the Odysseus lunar lander, in what could be the start of the first US Moon landing in 50 years. The Nova-C Odysseus will now embark on a week-long journey to the lunar surface. The lander, built by Texas-based Intuitive Machines, aims to be the first private lunar lander to touchdown on the Moon. The launch was initially scheduled for Valentine’s Day (14 February), however, it was postponed due to an issue with the fuel temperatures. The 1,488lb (675kg) spacecraft blasted off aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 6:05am GMT (1:05am ET). Onboard the lander are 12 payloads, including a next-gen four-camera system to capture the journey down to the surface and landing sensors built in the UK by a company called MDA. Should all go to plan, the spacecraft will make a lunar landing attempt on 22 February. Once it’s on the surface, Odysseus will operate for just two weeks - or one lunar night.