Japan moon lander carrying UAE Rashid Rover assumed failed after contact lost

TOKYO: A Japanese company tried to land its own spacecraft on the moon early Wednesday, but its fate was unknown as flight controllers lost contact with it moments before the planned touchdown.

The 7-foot lander (2.3-meter) carried a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a toylike robot from Japan designed to roll around in the moon dust. There were also items from private customers on board.

Controllers peered at their screens in Tokyo, expressionless, as the minutes went by with still no word from the lander.