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  1. Space Exploration
  2. Missions
  3. Artemis

Artemis 1 launch photos: Amazing views of NASA's moon rocket debut (gallery)

News
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated 16 November 2022

Artemis 1 launched on Nov. 16, 2022 at 01:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT) and the photos are incredible.

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NASA successfully launched Artemis 1 at 01:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT) from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Artemis 1 is the first stage of a series of missions designed to send humans to the moon as part of the Artemis program. It is NASA's first flight using the new Space Launch System (SLS) megarocket and the Orion crew capsule. 

The SLS rocket launched the Orion spacecraft on an approximate 25-day mission where it will orbit the moon and then return to Earth. 

Keep up to date with the latest mission news with our Artemis 1 live updates page

You can see photos of the Artemis 1 launch here by clicking through the arrows above. 

In this image, NASA's SLS rocket soars into the Florida early morning sky on the Artemis 1 mission. 

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Here, NASA's SLS rocket waits for liftoff at Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft stands on launch pad 39B as final preparations are made for the Artemis I mission. 

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Page 3 of 19

The SLS rocket successfully launched the Orion spacecraft on an approximate 25-day mission where it will orbit the moon and then return to Earth.  

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This was the third launch attempt for Artemis 1.

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SLS undergoes a final gimbal test to check that the rocket thrusters are working and able to steer the rocket into space.

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Liftoff occurred today (Nov. 16) at 1:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT). It was about 43 minutes later than planned due to delays caused by a fuel leak and a wonky launch radar issue.

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NASA's SLS lifted off from NASA's Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.

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NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft launches from pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center.

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Spectators watch as the Artemis I uncrewed lunar rocket lifts off from launch pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. 

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Spectators at Veterans Memorial park watch as the Artemis I uncrewed lunar rocket lifts off from launch pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. 

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NASA successfully launched Artemis 1 at 01:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT) from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

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NASA guests watch the launch of NASA's SLS rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft. 

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Guests at the Banana Creek viewing site enjoy the launch of NASA's Artemis 1 mission.  

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Spectators watch NASA's launch of the SLS rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft. 

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Space.com contributor and photographer Josh Dinner captured the Artemis 1 launch and tweeted this photograph along with the caption "GO SLS! GO ORION! GO ARTEMIS!"

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Artemis 1 is the first stage of a series of missions designed to send humans to the moon as part of the Artemis program. 

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NASA's SLS rocket soars into the Florida early morning sky on the Artemis 1 mission.  

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Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic
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Skywatching Editor

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.

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