CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA's Artemis II mission is about to soar, embarking on the first crewed flight to the Moon since 1972! This mission will send four astronauts on a thrilling lunar fly-around journey, reaching depths of over 5,000 miles beyond the Moon and showcasing our new Space Launch System rocket.

This diverse team is made up of accomplished astronauts; Christina Koch holds the record for the longest single space flight by a woman, while Victor Glover was the first Black astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Jeremy Hansen is the rookie, representing the Canadian Space Agency. Together, they’ll push the boundaries of exploration in the upcoming 10-day mission.

As they fly around the Moon, the crew will capture stunning images, particularly of the far side of the Moon—an area not yet observed by humans. Equipped with the latest cameras, they're set to document this historic milestone and highlight the importance of this collective human effort to explore beyond our planet.

With a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean expected, Artemis II aims not only to create new lunar pathways but also to inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers. Don’t miss this leap into the future of space exploration!