United Launch Alliance’s rocket sends Ukrainian map and flag to the Moon on special metal plate

The "Vulkan Centaur" launch vehicle from the "United Launch Alliance" company sent a map and flag of Ukraine to the moon on a metal plate.

This is reported on the Space.com website.

The rocket was launched successfully from Cape Canaveral's space force base in Florida, USA, and is headed for the moon. It's equipped with the Sapsan lunar lander, which contains a variety of payloads, including five scientific instruments from NASA and cargo from Spacebit, a joint Ukrainian-British company.

The spacecraft is scheduled to land on February 23 in the south-polar region of the Moon. If the mission is successful, the Falcon will be the first American spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

"As a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, Spacebit is sending a metal-embossed flag of Ukraine with a map of the country. This metal plate uses a new coating type that has never been tested on the moon's surface. These paints are water-based and can withstand extreme temperatures for hundreds of years ", the company said in a statement.

Along with the Ukrainian symbols, the DNA of famous people flew on board the rocket.

The company also put an Enterprise payload on the rocket's Centaur upper stage. It includes DNA from "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and his wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, as well as the remains of several actors from the original TV series, including Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, and DeForest Kelley, who played Lieutenant Uhura, Chief Engineer "Scotty" and CMO Leonard "Bones" McCoy, respectively.

Also on board is the DNA of some living relatives of these people, including Rod Roddenberry, son of Gene and Majel, and Wende Doohan, widow of James.