'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.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"Since this is such a historic milestone launch, it's difficult to predict visitation numbers."
— Meagan Happel , Other
"When those engines light, this thing is moving out."
— Reid Wiseman , Other
"Things are certainly starting to feel real."
— Christina Koch , Other
"We are getting very, very close, and we are ready."
— Lori Glaze , Executive
"The one thing we are watching is the weather."
— Shawn Quinn , Executive
"I kind of worry about whether it will be before 2030 or not, but hopefully not long after that."
— Wayne Hale , Other
"I don't think there's going to be a bad spot to view it, but I think what you're going to see with a 300-plus foot rocket is it's pretty massive."
— Peter Cranis , Executive
Key People
NASA astronaut also part of the Artemis 2 mission.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Apollo astronaut who took his last steps on the moon in 1972.
Astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency who flew on Artemis 2.
Lori Glaze is a NASA official who leads the Artemis program.
Public relations manager at the Space Coast Office of Tourism.
First Lady of the United States known for her social initiatives.
Peter Cranis is the executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism.
NASA astronaut who flew on the Artemis 2 mission.
NASA exploration ground systems manager overseeing Artemis II launch preparations.
NASA astronaut who participated in the Artemis 2 mission.
Long-time NASA veteran and former flight controller.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
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.
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.
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.
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.
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