One Step Closer to the Moon

The SLS Rocket and the Orion Spacecraft began its journey from the V.A.B. just as the sun broke over the horizon along the Space Coast of Florida. The three mile journey will take hours to complete but marks one step closer to a long awaited trip to the Moon. 

Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

In attendance to witness this historic moment were the Artemis II astronauts as well as the new NASA administrator, Jared Issacman. The Artemis II astronauts are: Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

NASA Administrator:  Jared Issacman Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

In a statement from NASA: “Artemis II will be a momentous step forward for human spaceflight. This historic mission will send humans farther from Earth than ever before and deliver the insights needed for us to return to the Moon — all with America at the helm,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Artemis II represents progress toward establishing a lasting lunar presence and sending Americans to Mars. I could not be more impressed by our NASA team and the Artemis II crew, and wish them well. Boldly forward.”

Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

This is the first time since the final Apollo mission in the 1970’s that human’s will not only leave low Earth orbit, but the first time humans will have traveled back to our neighbor the Moon since departure of Apollo 17 in December of 1972 over half a century ago. In 2029 we will mark 60 years since the first humans walked on the lunar surface in1969 when Apollo 11 and her crew made history as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the lunar soil leaving behind those historic foot prints.

Image Credit:  Michael Seeley

The Moon shines bright in our night sky and now we are returning.

Story By: Michael Howard – We Report Space

Images By: Michael Howard and Graham Smith – We Report Space

Additional Images by: Michael Seeley