A private lunar lander which launched from the US this morning has suffered an “anomaly” – with experts trying to resolve the issue.

Peregrine Mission-1 – which took off at 7.18am UK time – aimed to become the first US spacecraft due to land on the moon’s surface since Apollo 17 in 1972 and appeared to lift off into space as planned.

But, American company Astrobotic, in control of the launch, said an “anomaly” has since occurred.

They said: “After successfully separating from United Launce Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander began receiving telemetry via the NASA Deep Space Network.

“Astrobotic-built avionics systems, including the primary command and data handling unit, as well as the thermal, propulsion, and power controllers, all powered on and performed as expected.

“After successful propulsion systems activation, Peregrine entered a safe operational state.

“Unfortunately, an anomaly then occurred, which prevented Astrobotic from achieving a stable sun-pointing orientation. The team is responding in real time as the situation unfolds and will be providing updates as more data is obtained and analysed.”

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The lunar lander was carrying the remains of several Star Trek cast members and the DNA of former US president John F. Kennedy – as well as scientific instruments.

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