Finally, after many delays and setbacks, the Artemis Rocket lifted off this morning 16 November and has successfully left orbit for the trans lunar injection. The Orion capsule separated some 50 minutes after a smooth launch and the spacecraft is en route for the moon.
At the time of writing, the Orion is at Stage 7 and in translunar injection and on course for the moon.
It was a surreal experience watching the launch at 6 a.m this morning, perched on the edge of the bed in my pyjamas, for a moment, it was like watching the Saturn V launch back in 1969. With the recent proliferation in private company launches and tests, another rocket lift off seems a little ordinary. But the target for the launch changes everything and the success of this mission, will pave the way for a manned return to the moon, a goal which I have waited for so long.
As the Orion capsule is uncrewed, the space has been filled with cameras, which will afford some spectacular photography as it leaves Earth orbit and as it reaches the lunar far side in some weeks time.
