Our CES 2024 coverage begins, first US lunar lander launch in 50 years

For the first time in over five decades, a US lunar lander has embarked on its voyage to the Moon's surface. Early this morning, Astrobotic’s Peregrine spacecraft lifted off aboard United Launch Alliance’s next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket.

Peregrine makes history as the first American moon lander since Apollo. For more on the vessels, payloads and what the wider meaning for American spaceflight ambitions, jump to today’s Must Read.

Also today, we begin our coverage from CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Stand by for exciting product launches, ingenious innovations, and early signs of trends that will drive the tech narrative throughout the year.

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Following multiple delays since 2019, Vulcan’s successful launch begins the first mission United Launch Alliance's successor to the Delta and Atlas rockets. Its NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Service (CLPS) program payload, the Peregrine lunar lander, is now en route to the Moon after separating safely from the launcher.

If the lander touches down successfully next month, it will deposit the first American moon rover along with NASA instruments, cultural artifacts, and corporate payloads. Space memorial companies have also dispatched ashes of Star Trek actors and DNA samples of its creator Gene Roddenberry on this mission.

The core objective is proving NASA’s private sector lunar landing capacity, but the mission will also probe deep space radiation, lunar ice deposits, and other research goals that will help pave the way for a renewed human presence.

This week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas brings over 4,000 companies together, many of which are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. CES, owned by the Consumer Technology Association draws 170,000 attendees to its 2-million-square-foot venue, and serves as technology’s premiere trade show.

Our dedicated team is present on-site to deliver comprehensive coverage of the latest technological advancements over the next six days. This year’s focus lies in making everyday tasks simpler, even in the kitchen. Click below to see what’s cooking.

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