Russia's Soyuz roars to Moon with Luna-25 | See Pics

The Russian lunar lander is expected to reach the moon on Aug. 23, about the same day as an Indian craft which was launched on July 14. (Photo: AFP)

The spaceport is a pet project of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is key to his efforts to make Russia a space superpower. (Photo: AFP)

The Russian spacecraft will take about 5.5 days to travel to the moon’s vicinity, then spend three to seven days orbiting at about 100 kilometers. (Photo: AFP)

Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, said it wants to show Russia “is a state capable of delivering a payload to the moon,” and “ensure Russia’s guaranteed access to the moon’s surface.” (Photo: AFP)

The Luna-25 launched flawlessly from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East, according to video feed from Roscosmos. (Photo: AFP)

The Luna-25 is to take samples of moon rock and dust. The samples are crucial to understanding the moon’s environment ahead of building any base there. (Photo: AFP)

The launch of Luna-25 from Russia’s Vostochny spaceport in the Far East is Russia’s first lunar mission since 1976 when it was part of the Soviet Union.(Photo: AFP)