NASA fueled its moon rocket for humanity’s first lunar trip in more than half a century, aiming for an evening liftoff with four astronauts.
The three Americans and one Canadian waved and shaped their hands into hearts as they emerged from crew quarters to cheers and said goodbye to their families. The crowd applauded and cheered again as the astronauts boarded their astrovan for the 14-kilometer ride to the launch pad.
Commander Reid Wiseman thanked the throngs who gathered to see them off.
“It's a great day for us. It's a great day for this team,” Wiseman called out.
Tensions were high earlier in the day as hydrogen fuel started flowing into the rocket. Dangerous hydrogen leaks erupted during a countdown test earlier this year, forcing a lengthy flight delay.
To NASA's relief, no significant hydrogen leaks occurred. The launch team loaded more than 700,000 gallons of fuel (2.6 million liters) into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket on the pad, a smooth operation that set the stage for the Artemis II crew to board.
“It is time to fly,” Wiseman declared on the eve of launch via X. Favourable weather was forecast.
The four will fly around the moon without stopping or even orbiting — then head straight back for a Pacific splashdown. They will set a new distance record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth as they zoom some 6400 kilometers beyond the moon and then hang a U-turn.
Astronauts last flew to the moon during Apollo 17 in 1972.
The launch window begins at 11.24am (NZT)
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including new booze rules, and why the government’s not worried about fuel fluctuations. (Source: 1News)
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