US, Japanese lunar landers set to launch on single rocket

Kennedy Space Center, United States (AFP) Jan 15, 2025

One rocket, two missions: lunar landers built by US and Japanese companies are poised to "rideshare" to the Moon, showcasing the private sector's growing role in space exploration. SpaceX is targeting a 1:11 am (0611 GMT) Wednesday liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with very favorable weather conditions forecast. On board are two privately developed,