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Space tug retrieves a lunar landerA space tug docks with a recently launched lunar lander and pulls it free of the top-most stage of a launch vehicle. The lunar lander's legs are still folded in the stowed position. Continuing to orbit the Earth at an altitude of 250 miles, the crew of the tug will prepare the lunar lander for its 3-day journey to the moon. Having served its purpose, the top-most stage of a launch vehicle will be remotely directed into a controlled re-entry of the Earth's atmosphere where it will burn up. |