The issues first US lunar lander in 50 years is facing as it rockets towards the moon

The first US lunar lander in 50 years has rocketed into space, but its much-anticipated launch has encountered initial problems.

Astronomer and space scientist Ches Rafferty said while the launch was exciting news, there were now clear faults that would be need to worked through to ensure the successful landing on the moon.

“There was a fault on the robotic spacecraft,” he told Tony Jones on 3AW Mornings.

Click PLAY to hear more about what’s gone wrong with the launch 

“At the moment they’re trying to sort out what the issue was, but it does sound like there was a fuel link.”

Photo: Nine