Why astronauts are heading to the Moon after 50 years—and how India made it happen

If all systems are go and barring force majeure , four astronauts will in two days lift off towards the Moon on a giant rocket, becoming the first humans to head in that direction in over 50 years, since Nasa’s Apollo programme ended in 1972. After technical delays in February and March, Nasa is now preparing for launch on April 1 (April 2 in India).