History made as Artemis II astronauts start next stage of Nasa moon mission

• Nasa’s Artemis II mission successfully propelled its four astronauts out of Earth's orbit and onto a trajectory towards the moon.
• The crucial trans-lunar ignition occurred 25 hours post-liftoff, marking the first time humans have left Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.
• The Orion capsule is now pursuing the moon, nearly 250,000 miles distant, with a lunar fly-around scheduled for early next week.
• The crew, including the first Black, first woman, and first non-U.S. citizen to launch to the moon, will become the farthest humans have ever travelled from Earth.
• This test flight is a significant step for NASA's plans for a moon base and sustained lunar living, despite minor initial issues with the capsule's toilet and cabin temperature.

IN FULL

Humans leave Earth orbit for first time since 1972 as Artemis II heads to the moon