TryGOLD- Free

Russia launches first lunar mission in nearly 50 years
The Independent|August 12, 2023
Russia has launched its first moon-landing spacecraft in almost 50 years in a bid to be the first nation to make a soft landing on the lunar south pole, a region believed to hold coveted pockets of water ice.
- GUY FAULCONBRIDGE JOEY ROULETTE
Russia launches first lunar mission in nearly 50 years

The Russian lunar mission, the first since 1976, is racing against India, which launched its Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander last month, and more broadly with the United States and China, both of which run advanced lunar exploration programmes targeting the lunar south pole. A Soyuz 2.1 rocket carrying the Luna-25 craft blasted off from the Vostochny cosmodrome, 3,450 miles (5,550 km) east of Moscow, at 2.11am Moscow time yesterday.

The lander was boosted out of Earth’s orbit towards the moon more than an hour later, at which point mission control took command of the craft, Russia’s space agency Roscosmos said. The lander is expected to touch down on the moon on 21 August, Russia’s space chief Yuri Borisov told state television, though the space agency previously pegged 23 August as the landing date.

“Now we will wait for the 21st. I hope that a highly precise soft landing on the moon will take place,” Mr Borisov told workers at the Vostochny cosmodrome after the launch. “We hope to be first.” 

This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Aussies punish England to retain the Ashes at a canter
The Independent

Aussies punish England to retain the Ashes at a canter

Beth Mooney starred as Australia routed England by 57 runs in the first T20 international to retain the Ashes with the minimum of fuss.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 21, 2025
Rudakubana pleads guilty to murder of girls in Southport
The Independent

Rudakubana pleads guilty to murder of girls in Southport

A teenager has admitted to murdering three children in a \"meticulously planned\" mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, which sparked widespread riots.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025
'I offered ex-wife £50m but I still had four years of grief'
The Independent

'I offered ex-wife £50m but I still had four years of grief'

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince tells Chris Blackhurst divorce settlement laws have to change after his former wife finished up with a smaller sum after disputing his initial financial offer

time-read
6 mins  |
January 21, 2025
Chalobah shines as Chelsea resume their winning way
The Independent

Chalobah shines as Chelsea resume their winning way

It was like he had never left Chelsea. Trevoh Chalobah, a familiar face around this corner of London, was summoned on a chilly night at Stamford Bridge for a team craving three points. Enzo Maresca has been desperately searching for a performance, but most importantly a result, after five Premier League games without a win.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 21, 2025
Slot reaps rewards of squad built by many expert hands
The Independent

Slot reaps rewards of squad built by many expert hands

After the 22-second goal came the 26-minute strike.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025
Spread your arms wide and embrace the January blues
The Independent

Spread your arms wide and embrace the January blues

This time of year gets a bad rap, all in aid of selling sadness. But with a fresh start and the promise of 2025 opening up, writes Olivia Petter, it might just be the best month of all

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025
STARS IN THEIR EYES
The Independent

STARS IN THEIR EYES

Content creators say that zodiac signs and horoscopes offer Gen Z a sense of agency’ in a chaotic world. Maybe, writes Helen Coffey, but astrology has definitely gotten out of hand

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025
'I've returned to my beloved life,' says freed UK hostage
The Independent

'I've returned to my beloved life,' says freed UK hostage

British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, among first three released by Hamas, with 90 Palestinians also freed in ceasefire deal

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025
Musk accused of giving a 'Nazi salute' at inauguration
The Independent

Musk accused of giving a 'Nazi salute' at inauguration

Tesla CEO and first buddy” Elon Musk drew a ton of immediate outrage online and on cable news after he made an odd-looking” gesture during his speech at the Capitol One Arena yesterday to celebrate president Donald Trump’s inauguration.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 21, 2025
The Rocky sequel everyone in the game is talking about
The Independent

The Rocky sequel everyone in the game is talking about

The talented Rocky Flintoff, 16, appears unfazed by dad Freddie’s rich England legacy

time-read
4 mins  |
January 21, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more