NASA's Artemis II mission is on the move. The Space Launch System rocket began its journey to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center early Saturday. The rollout marks a critical step for the first human voyage to the Moon's vicinity in over 50 years.
The massive rocket, atop its crawler-transporter, exited the Vehicle Assembly Building around 7:00 am EST. The four-mile trek is expected to take eight to ten hours. Artemis II will send four astronauts around the far side of the Moon. This mission will set a new record for human distance from Earth.
Managers are on alert for "launch fever" as pressure mounts. The mission represents a significant leap for the space industry. It showcases the capabilities of the Space Launch System.
Artemis II follows the Apollo program's last lunar landing in 1972. This mission is a crucial precursor to future lunar landings.
Next, teams will conduct final checks at the launch pad. NASA is preparing for a launch window in the near future.
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