NASA Begins Countdown For Humanity's First Moon Launch in 53 Years

NASA began the countdown for humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years.

A 32‑story Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is set to lift off Wednesday evening with four astronauts on Artemis II.

After a day in Earth orbit, their Orion capsule will carry them to the moon and back on a nearly 10‑day flight that will end with a Pacific splashdown.

Artemis II crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover (Black), Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen; the crew includes a woman, a person of color, and a non‑US citizen.

The rocket returned to the pad about 1.5 weeks ago and is doing well after recent repairs; earlier hydrogen fuel leaks grounded a February launch and a clogged helium pressurization line caused a hangar return. Launch must occur in the first six days of April before a month‑long stand down.