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

(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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. 

(Image credit: NASA TV)

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

(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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. 

(Image credit: NASA TV)

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.  

(Image credit: NASA TV)

This was the third launch attempt for Artemis 1.

(Image credit: NASA TV)

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

(Image credit: NASA TV)

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.

(Image credit: NASA TV)

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

(Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

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

(Image credit: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

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. 

(Image credit: MARCO BELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

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. 

(Image credit: Red Huber/Getty Images)

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. 

(Image credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via Getty Images)

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

(Image credit: NASA/Keegan Barber)

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

(Image credit: MARCO BELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

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

(Image credit: Josh Dinner)

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

(Image credit: United Launch Alliance)

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

(Image credit: United Launch Alliance)

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