NASA launches first manned lunar mission in 54 years

NASA sent astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972 - as part of the Artemis II mission, four crew members went on a 10-day flight around the Earth's satellite, NASA reported.

The Orion spacecraft was launched into orbit aboard a Space Launch System rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Within minutes of launch, the booster separated and the upper stage lifted the spacecraft into a high elliptical orbit.

The crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Representative Jeremy Hansen.

It is expected that after entering orbit, the ship will accelerate and set course for the Moon, which it will approach in about five days. The device will fly at a distance of about 7,500 kilometers from its surface, after which it will return to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

This mission became a key stage in the resumption of manned flights to the Moon and paves the way for further expeditions with the landing of people on its surface.

As a reminder, in April, Ukrainians will be waiting for a number of bright astronomical phenomena - from a full Moon to a meteor shower and even a possible "parade of planets."