Vulcan Rocket Finally Launches, but Moon Lander Runs Into Trouble

A powerful rocket developed by a Boeing-and-Lockheed Martin-owned company blasted off for the first time early Monday, the vehicle’s inaugural flight after years of delays. 

Called Vulcan Centaur, the 202-foot-tall rocket lifted off under a trail of flames at 2:18 a.m. ET from a Florida launchpad, powering a U.S. moon lander, called Peregrine, into space.