BREAKING: US Lander Successfully Lands on Moon

It has landed closer to the moon's south pole than any other craft.

Friday 23 February 2024 02:15, UK

The Odysseus spacecraft passes over the near side of the Moon.
The Odysseus spacecraft passes over the near side of the Moon.
The Odysseus lander has successfully touched down after a "nail-biting" descent saw the first ever privately owned craft reach the moon's surface.

The Intuitive Machines' lander is also the first US lander to successfully reach the moon in more than 50 years - since the last of NASA's Apollo programme in 1972.

There was applause and cheers in the Houston control room as landing success was confirmed after a few tense minutes.
This was the scene at Intuitive Machines HQ in Houston after teams heard the spacecraft had reached the moon's surface
Flight controllers at Intuitive Machines in Houston celebrate the landing.