In the history of our planet, that first landing of men on the moon in 1969 was, and still is, one of the greatest stories ever told.
Tonight in Florida four astronaut-successors – one woman and three men – are strapped into their cramped seats ready for lift off.
It’s supposed to be happening in just over an hour. In the last few minutes, NASA has mentioned a technical hitch.
Assuming it’s still "all systems go", the mission will not include moonboots on the ground this time but it will pave the way for those who follow in their footsteps to plant their feet on the moon’s stony surface in missions to come – and ultimately leapfrog to Mars.
NASA’s live pictures show the astronaut’s tiny capsule perched on top of 3 million litres of fuel – the most powerful crewed rocket ever constructed.
It will take them from Cape Canaveral to the far side of the moon.
During their 10-day journey they will travel further from Earth than anyone has ever done before.
the hunt for lunar minerals is driving America’s stepped-up race into space.
In the Apollo era, it was ideological rivalry with Russia that fuelled competition. In the Artemis era, it is China.
• Subscribe to ITV News on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2lOHmNj
• Get breaking news and more stories at http://www.itv.com/news
Follow ITV News on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews?lang=en
Follow ITV News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on X: https://twitter.com/itvnews
