Russia launches first Moon mission in almost 50 years

(Patria) - Russia has launched its first Moon probe in almost 50 years, AFP reported. The launch of the Luna-25 probe is Moscow's first Moon mission since 1976, when the USSR pioneered space exploration.

The rocket with the Luna-25 probe took off at 02:10 Moscow time from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, according to live images broadcast by the Russian space agency Roscosmos.

The spacecraft is expected to reach lunar orbit in five days. It will then spend between three and seven days choosing the right spot before landing in the south polar region of the Moon.

"For the first time in history, the lunar landing will take place at the Moon's south pole. Until now, everyone has landed in the equatorial zone," said senior Roscosmos official Alexander Blokhin in a recent interview.

The spacecraft, which will stay on the Moon for a year, will be tasked with "taking (samples) and analyzing soil," as well as "conducting long-term scientific research," the Russian space agency announced. The launch is the first mission in Russia's new lunar program, which begins at a time when
Roscosmos is deprived of partnership with the West amid the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Russian space expert Vitaly Egorov, this mission is the first time post-Soviet Russia has attempted to place a device on a celestial body.
President Vladimir Putin has pledged to continue Russia's space program despite sanctions, pointing out that the USSR sent the first man into space in 1961, at a time of escalating tensions between East and West.