Nasa spacecraft orbiting Earth after spectacular Artemis II Moon mission launch

NASA has successfully launched the Artemis II spacecraft, marking the first crewed mission toward the Moon in over 50 years. 

The rocket lifted off spectacularly from Florida, with astronaut Reid Wiseman stating, “We go for all humanity.” The crew is now safely orbiting Earth for about 24 hours while conducting system checks before receiving approval to proceed toward the Moon. 

Although the 10-day mission will not involve a lunar landing, the spacecraft will circle the Moon and may travel farther from Earth than any humans before. Despite minor onboard issues, such as with the toilet, NASA confirmed that the crew remains safe, secure, and in high spirits.