NASA begins fueling rocket to launch astronauts on the first lunar trip in half a century

"NASA's Artemis II mission will see three Americans and one Canadian fly around the moon, setting a new distance record as they travel 4,000 miles beyond the moon before returning to Earth."

"Commander Reid Wiseman expressed excitement for the mission, stating, 'It is time to fly,' as the launch team prepared for the historic event with favorable weather conditions."

"NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the significance of the mission, declaring, 'The next era of exploration begins,' as the agency aims for a moon landing near the lunar south pole by 2028."

NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, the first lunar trip in over 50 years, with a planned launch involving four astronauts. The rocket is being fueled with over 700,000 gallons of hydrogen, following previous issues with leaks. The crew will fly around the moon, setting a new distance record, and aims for a moon landing by 2028. This mission marks a significant step towards establishing a permanent moon base.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles