Liftoff: Nasa launches first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years

CAPE CANAVERAL: Four astronauts launched today towards the Moon aboard the Orion capsule, using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the US state of Florida.

With a thunderous roar that reverberated far beyond the launchpad, the enormous orange-and-white rocket carried three Americans and one Canadian away from Florida's Kennedy Space Center at approximately 6:35 pm local time.

US President Donald Trump praised NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, describing it as "completely successful", in remarks made just hours before the earliest possible launch window for the Artemis 2 mission.

The Artemis 2 mission had previously been delayed several times due to technical issues and may face further postponement.

The mission, expected to last around 10 days, will see US astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, fly around the Moon.

NASA teams and spectators alike were ecstatic as the spacecraft ascended into a radiant sky atop a cascade of flames.

"We're going to the Moon!" one onlooker exclaimed.

During final checks before Artemis 2 was deemed a go for launch, astronauts gave brief words: "We are going for all humanity," said the Canadian aboard, Jeremy Hansen.

Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson then addressed the astronauts directly.

"Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy: On this historic mission, you take with you the heart of this Artemis team, the daring spirit of the American people and our partners across the globe, and the hopes and dreams of a new generation. Good luck. God speed Artemis 2. Let's go," she said.

The team, who donned bright orange suits with blue trim as they blasted off, includes Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian Hansen.

"We have a beautiful moonrise. We're headed right at it," said Wiseman, the mission commander.

Shortly after launch they successfully entered Earth's orbit, where they will remain while performing various checks to ensure the reliability and safety of a spacecraft that has never carried humans before.

They will also test its manual piloting capabilities during docking simulations.

If all goes well they are expected to venture forth on Thursday on a loop around the Moon, which is expected to take about three days.

The voyage should last approximately 10 days in total.

"This was amazing," said Sian Proctor, an American scientist who participated in a 2021 space mission and ventured to Florida's Space Coast, where local authorities said around 400,000 people were watching.

"I'm just so happy that we're going back to the Moon, and everybody should be excited and be following the next 10 days, because this is a big step for humanity," Proctor said.

The flight is to pave the way for a Moon landing in 2028.