'It's phenomenal!': Excitement in Florida ahead of Artemis launch

BBC’s Leyla Khodabakhshi speaks to locals and visitors in Florida ahead of the Artemis II mission blast off.

As NASA's Artemis 2 mission approaches, Florida's Space Coast braces for a significant influx of visitors, with hotel availability limited and heavy traffic expected on launch day.

The Artemis II crew, including NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, have arrived at Kennedy Space Center, preparing for the first crewed lunar mission since 1972.

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, with a launch window opening on April 1.

The Artemis II crew has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, preparing for the scheduled April 1 launch that will take them on a nearly 700,000-mile voyage around the moon and back.

Central Florida anticipates up to 400,000 visitors for NASA's Artemis II launch, with expectations of significant crowd sizes and the sensation of the rocket's rumble during liftoff.