Briefly

UNITED STATES

First moon lander in 50 years launches to space

The first US lunar lander in more than 50 years rocketed toward the moon on Monday, launching private companies on a space race to make deliveries for NASA and other customers. Astrobotic Technology's lander caught a ride on United Launch Alliance's brand-new rocket Vulcan, with an attempted landing on Feb 23. Besides flying experiments for NASA, Astrobotic drummed up its Peregrine lander with everything from a chip of rock from Mount Qomolangma and toy-size cars from Mexico that will catapult to the lunar surface and cruise around, to the ashes and DNA of deceased space enthusiasts, including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. The last time the United States launched a moon landing mission was in December 1972.

JAPAN

Quake toll hits 168 as snow hampers rescue

The death toll from Japan's New Year's Day earthquake jumped to 168 on Monday, as snow complicated relief efforts with over 2,000 people still cut off and many others lacking power or in crowded emergency shelters. Authorities said 323 people were missing after the 7.5-magnitude quake that toppled buildings, sparked a major fire and triggered tsunami waves over a meter high in the central Ishikawa region. As of Sunday, almost a week later, an estimated 1,000 landslides had damaged roads on the worst-hit Noto Peninsula. Against the odds, a woman in her 90s survived five days under the wreckage of a collapsed house in Suzu city before being saved over the weekend.

Agencies Via Xinhua