NASA Artemis II Moon mission set for liftoff today: Here’s what to know

NASA is preparing to launch its next big lunar exploration mission, creating excitement among people. The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years.

The mission will launch today at 6:24pm EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The mission crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.

How to watch NASA Artemis II launch live

The NASA Artemis II launch will be streamed live through multiple platforms which NASA has created for worldwide online access. The SLS fuelling coverage will start at 7:45am EDT, and the complete countdown will begin at 12:50pm EDT.

The first press conference after the launch will start approximately 2.5 hours after the rockets have taken off. The streaming services include NASA+, NASA's website, YouTube and simulcasts on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Nasa officials said weather conditions remain mostly suitable for Wednesday's launch, but cumulus clouds and light showers create a potential danger. NASA Launch Weather Officer Mark Burger explained that the two-hour launch window will experience smooth winds which will assist with cloud removal.

Test Director Jeff Spaulding confirmed that rocket systems and countdown procedures and the crew stand prepared for launch except for potential last-minute modifications.