Artemis II: An emotional moment as the Moon mission blasts off

This page covers NASA's historic Artemis II Moon mission launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The Space Launch System (SLS), NASA's most powerful rocket, successfully lifted off carrying four crew members on their journey to circle the Moon. The massive rocket rose into the sky engulfed in brilliant white flame, passing the critical moment of maximum structural stress at one minute and ten seconds into the launch. The spacecraft arced over the Atlantic Ocean leaving a white smoky trail before disappearing from view. After the successful launch, Kennedy Space Center staff celebrated with euphoria and emotional reactions, releasing months of built-up tension.