Rocket with a lunar landing craft has blasted off on Russia’s first moon mission in nearly 50 years

By EMMA BURROWS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — A rocket carrying a lunar landing craft has blasted off on Russia’s first moon mission in nearly 50 years. The launch from Russia’s spaceport in the Far East of the Luna-25 craft to the moon is Russia’s first since 1976 when it was part of the Soviet Union. The Russian lunar lander is expected to reach the moon on Aug. 23, about the same day as an Indian craft which was launched on July 14.