Historic Artemis 2 launch draws thousands to Florida's Space Coast

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (WINK)—Thousands of people lined the shore of the space coast to watch Artemis 2 take flight.

The two-hour launch window opened at 6:24 a.m., but the rocket wasn't quite ready. About 10 minutes later, liftoff occurred.

WINK News anchor Russ McCaskey was there as the crew of Artemis 2 began their 10-day mission toward the moon. There was a slight delay firing the rockets, but when they did, it was a majestic display of power, prowess and perseverance.

It was a day of waiting, wondering and hoping the Artemis 2 rocket would fly. At times things were a little sleepy, but the energy picked up dramatically.

When the rocket fired and the engines glowed, the crowd responded with a roar of their own. Many in the crowd said they have seen multiple launches, like Ric Blackburn, but he said this never gets old.

"It's still unbelievable. But it's a sense of pride. I love it," Blackburn said.

10-year-old Brieili Sanchez couldn't believe her eyes.

"I thought it was really cool. It's the first time I ever saw anything like this so it was really exciting," Sanchez said.

Manuel Retana brought his nephews who dressed for the occasion. He said one of them was upset that he didn't go to the moon, thinking he was going to go to the moon that day.

Hours before the launch, McCaskey met Milton Levin, who came from Connecticut because he said history was on the line.

"It's the first time man has been around the moon in 50 years and the furthest they have been away from the earth. It's historic. I can't miss," Levin said.

Afterward, Levin said his trip was money well spent.

"I think liftoff is the most exciting part. To see it flame up and go into the sky is amazing," Levin said.

As the crew flew off toward outer space, everyone was left with smiles on their faces, knowing the moon is more than just in sight—it's in reach once again.