KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Florida—Three Americans and one Canadian soared into orbit last night from Florida's Space Coast, embarking on NASA's most ambitious mission since Apollo. Perched atop the towering SLS rocket, the crew of Artemis II lifted off at 6:35 pm EDT, initiating a nine-day journey around the Moon.

The powerful engines roared to life, generating nearly nine million pounds of thrust—more than any other human-rated rocket in history. As they ascended, the astronauts aboard Orion got their first glimpse of Earth's lunar companion, basking in its silvery light.

Commander Reid Wiseman and his crewmates reported back with clear updates from the cockpit, describing the breathtaking view as the Moon rose majestically over the horizon. This mission not only marks a significant milestone for NASA but also sets the stage for future lunar landings, potentially rekindling humanity's lunar ambitions after decades of dormancy.

The Artemis II launch comes at a time when space exploration has become increasingly competitive, with nations like China vying to establish a presence on the Moon. For NASA, this mission is more than just a technological feat; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.