The Artemis II mission has successfully launched, marking the first time in more than half a century that humans are en route to orbit the Moon. The milestone flight signals a critical step in NASA’s broader strategy to establish a sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit. Lifting off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carried four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft. The mission is designed as a full-scale test of systems required for future lunar landings under the Artemis programme. Commenting on the successful launch, NASA’s Administrator Jared Isaacman said: “This launch marks a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration, returning humanity to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and opening the next chapter of lunar exploration beyond Apollo. “Aboard Orion are four remarkable explorers preparing for the first crewed flight of this rocket and spacecraft, a true test mission that will carry them farther and faster than any humans in …