Liftoff.

The Artemis II mission launched from NASAKennedy at 6:35pm ET (2235 UTC), propelling four astronauts on a journey around the Moon.

Artemis II will pave the way for future Moon landings, as well as the next giant leap — astronauts on Mars.

Go, Artemis II! 🌕

NASA’s Artemis II mission is sending astronauts around the Moon. On their ten-day journey, the team will switch between the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network to communicate with Mission Control.

Learn how our networks work together: go.nasa.gov/47zdZWg

We have liftoff! Go Artemis II!!

🛰️ The Orion spacecraft spreads its wings.

☀️ The four solar arrays on the European Service Module unfolded like a concertina.

🔋 They are starting to collect photons from the Sun to turn them into electricity for the Moon trip.

The 7 m-long solar arrays provide enough electricity to power two households. 🏠🏠

The wings can swivel and rotate to follow the Sun, like sunflowers do 🌻

Built in the Netherlands by Airbus Space, they will keep computers and experiments running.

In the words of Commander Reid Wiseman: FULL SEND IT!

Orion and its crew of four is in space, and in just a few days, should be in the moon's sphere of influence. I cannot believe what I saw with my own eyes. Emotional. Exciting. Ecstatic. I'm out of E words!

Absolutely breathtaking view of the Artemis II launch. Wow.