Astronauts arrive at launch pad for first crewed mission around Moon in more than 50 years

The astronauts have arrived at the launch pad, waving from their convoy of Nasa vans as they pass good-natured crowds lining the road into the launch complex.

Families, space workers and spectators gathered along the route, holding signs and phones aloft to wish the crew good luck on the first mission to carry humans back towards the Moon in more than half a century.

From here, the four Artemis II astronauts will head inside for final checks in the suit‑up facility, where technicians will run last‑minute medical and communications tests.

After that, they’ll ride back out to the pad and make their way up the gantry to board Orion – the spacecraft that will take them around the lunar far side and safely home again.