India, April 2 -- NASA's Artemis II mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday evening, sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon-the first crewed lunar flight in more than half a century. The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket blasted off at 6:24 p.m. EDT, its main engines igniting with just over six seconds to go before liftoff.

"Engines, booster, ignition and lift off!" broadcaster Derrol Nail said on NASA's livestream. "The crew of Artemis II now bound for the moon, humanity's next great voyage begins."

What Happened During Ascent?

The booster successfully ignited and the rocket raced off the launch pad, reaching 5,000 miles per hour within minutes. Nine miles in altitude and 78 miles down range, t...