Nasa's mega Moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), completed its 4-mile journey to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 18:41 local time (23:42 GMT) yesterday, marking a crucial step in preparations for the Artemis II mission. The 98m-tall rocket, the centerpiece of the first crewed lunar mission in over half a century, began its trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building at 07:04 local time (12:04 GMT), taking nearly 12 hours to reach its destination.

The move sets the stage for final tests, checks, and a dress rehearsal before the official green light is given for the 10-day Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. This moment is akin to a star quarterback leading his team onto the field before the Super Bowl, with the weight of expectations from fans worldwide.

"This is a huge moment for the Artemis program," said a Nasa spokesperson, drawing parallels to the Apollo era. "It's like watching the '69 Mets make their improbable run, but instead of a World Series, we're aiming for the Moon."

The SLS rocket, transported vertically by a massive crawler-transporter, is now in position for a series of crucial pre-launch activities. Nasa has identified February 6 as the earliest possible launch date, but also has launch windows available later in February, as well as in March and April. The Artemis II mission is reminiscent of the early space race, a high-stakes competition with the ultimate prize being lunar exploration. Just as legendary players like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson captivated audiences, the Artemis II astronauts are poised to inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts.