Yesterday, and after months of frustrating delays, hydrogen leaks, and hurricane roll-backs, the colossal Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has finally roared to life, lighting up the night sky over Florida and sending the uncrewed Orion capsule towards the Moon.

This marks the true beginning of the Artemis programme, humanity's long-awaited return to lunar exploration. While there is no crew aboard this time, three mannequins packed with radiation sensors are testing the life support systems. Seeing the live video feed of the Earth slowly shrinking in Orion's solar panel cameras brought back a profound sense of Apollo-era wonder.

Cover Image Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky.

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-i/