Nasa begins countdown for humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years

AP Associated PressSouth China Morning PostFiled 2026-03-30 · 21:36 GMTLean · Center-RightRead · 1 min

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Briefing Summary

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NEWSAR · AI

NASA has begun the countdown for the Artemis II mission, humanity's first lunar launch in 53 years, scheduled for Wednesday evening. The Space Launch System rocket will carry four astronauts in the Orion capsule on a nearly 10-day flight to orbit the moon and return to Earth. The mission involves a lunar flyby without landing, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The launch, initially planned for February, was delayed due to hydrogen fuel leaks, but managers report the rocket is now in good condition, and the weather forecast is favorable. This mission marks a significant step in NASA's renewed focus on lunar exploration.

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Article analysis

Model · rule-based

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Human Interest

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Nasa’s Artemis II mission should have soared in February but was grounded by hydrogen fuel leaks.

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Managers said the rocket is doing well following the latest round of repairs.

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The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific.

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The 32-storey Space Launch System rocket is poised to blast-off on Wednesday evening with four astronauts.

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Nasa began the countdown on Monday for humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years.

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Full report

1 min read · 105 words

Nasa began the countdown on Monday for humanity’s first launch to the Moon in 53 years.The 32-storey Space Launch System rocket is poised to blast-off on Wednesday evening with four astronauts.After a day in orbit around Earth, the Orion capsule will propel the astronauts to the Moon and back. There are no stops – just a quick U-turn around the Moon.The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific.Managers said the rocket is doing well following the latest round of repairs. Forecasters said the weather should cooperate.Nasa’s Artemis II mission should have soared in February but was grounded by hydrogen fuel leaks.

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