On the way to the Moon

Artemis 1 launches after years of delays

(I am having trouble posting video so you will have to go to the Twitter link)

Good morning! If you didn't stay up to watch the launch I wanted to give you a couple highlights here in your inbox.

(Credit: NASA)

The "mega-Moon rocket" lifted off a bit before 2 am eastern time. Those who watched at Kennedy Space Center described the sound and bright light of the world's largest rocket taking off for the first time. The four engines in the core section have been to space before having powered space shuttles. They won't be coming home this time.

Here is the replay of the liftoff from NASA:

There were a couple problems during the countdown. Once again, there was a hydrogen leak. The launch team thought some bolts on a connector were loose. With the rocket nearly full of fuel, the Red Crew was called upon. The workers entered the blast zone and were able to tighten the bolts. It was the first time three members of the Red Team have ever been called on. They talked about their contribution to the launch.

A control switch on a radar failed as well. It was replaced and the countdown was able to start again. About 45 minutes into the launch window the four core engines and the two solid rocket boosters were ignited and Artemis 1 was on its way.

Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has her tie cut off. It's a tradition after a successful launch. (Credit: NASA)

As you awake, the Orion capsule has been pushed out of Earth's gravity and is on its way to the Moon for its 26 day mission. It will be the return and the reentry into Earth's atmosphere which will be the true test of this spacecraft. We will get some fantastic views during its journey.

View of Earth from the Orion capsule as it heads toward the Moon. (Credit: NASA)