From CNBC:

The United Launch Alliance’s brand new Vulcan Centaur rocket took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Jan. 8, 2024. The rocket successfully deployed the Peregrine lunar cargo lander, which is bound for the moon and will attempt a landing on Feb. 23, potentially becoming the first American spacecraft to soft land on the moon in more than 50 years.

The launch of the Vulcan rocket represents a significant milestone in the space industry, which has been dominated by a single player in recent years. The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, with six lunar launches of landers from three different companies slated for this year.

The maiden voyage of the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket signifies the company’s entry into the competitive space industry, challenging the dominance of SpaceX. The successful deployment of Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lunar Lander marks a major achievement in the journey towards commercial lunar deliveries and exploration.



Read more: ULA Vulcan rocket launches as newest challenger to SpaceX