LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a year when space records have been broken, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has eclipsed a new record with the launch of its Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft on Nov. 16.  

For the first time in 50 years, NASA has launched its next generation of lunar surface bound rockets since the original Apollo Mission, and claims the title for the most powerful rocket in the world according to the group.  

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This feat was witnessed by an estimated 15,000 at the launch site, with thousands more on the beaches and roads outside the gates according to witnesses who wanted a glimpse of the Project Apollo sequel.  This new mission takes up the mantle from the Apollo missions which sent 12 astronauts to walk on the moon from 1969 to 1972.  

The launch marks the beginning of NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program – named after Apollo’s mythological twin sister – which has the goal to send four astronauts around the moon on the next flight in 2024.  As early as 2025, the program is also seeking to land humans there.  

The first part of the mission anticipates that the Orion spacecraft will travel roughly 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and return to Earth over the course of 25 and half days, says NASA.  

“For the Artemis generation, this is for you,” Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said, referring to all those born after Apollo. She later told her team: “You have earned your place in history.”

Many from NASA have expected some hiccups along the way, considering the test is a demonstration and how long the project has faced delays. 

“I personally am not going to rest well until we get safely to splashdown and recovery,” Mission Manager Mike Sarafin said. 

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Crews worked quickly to adjust a faulty hydrogen fuel valve during pre-flight Wednesday so as to avoid catastrophe after a new hydrogen leak occurred. 

To further ensure safety for human transport, NASA is using “moonequins” as they refer to the mannequins onboard which are outfitted with sensors to measure environmental factors such as acceleration, cosmic radiation, and vibration. 

The rocket was originally intended to have a first flight in 2017, and some estimate that NASA will spend at least $93 billion on the project by 2025.  

“What an incredible sight to see NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft launch together for the first time. This uncrewed flight test will push Orion to the limits in the rigors of deep space, helping us prepare for human exploration on the Moon and, ultimately, Mars,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said. 

The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft have been at the Kennedy Launch Pad site since Nov. 4 and endured the Hurricane Nicole effects.  Teams confirmed that no significant impacts from the storm affected the rock, spacecraft, or necessary ground systems according to NASA. 

The flight marks the beginning of a rebirth in NASA led human moon travel and beyond.  Their partner has had several successful launches in October and November, also with the moon in their sights.