One might be inclined to think that rockets would launch straight upward, but they don't, they curve along the way, and ...

These modifications include autonomous ground support equipment to secure the rocket, blast shielding for protection, and station-keeping thrusters for precise positioning.

HOUSTON - The IM-2 Mission, which includes the "Athena" lunar lander developed by Intuitive Machines in Houston, is scheduled to blast off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the Moon as soon as Wednesday.