Private company rockets toward the moon in the latest rush of lunar landing attempts

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- A private company is launching another lunar lander toward the moon. Intuitive Machines' lander blasted off on Wednesday aboard SpaceX from Florida. It's taking a fast track to the moon with a landing next week, aiming for the south pole. Last year, Intuitive Machines made the first U.S. touchdown on the moon in more than 50 years. But the lander came down too hard and tipped onto its side. The company this time is sending a drone that will hop into a crater in search of frozen water. NASA also has a drill that will pierce beneath the surface to gather soil samples.