13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II Artemis II: 4. Launch after-party
27 snips
Apr 2, 2026 
Rebecca Morelle, BBC News Science Editor, sends a vivid postcard from Kennedy Space Center. Kristin Fisher, US space journalist, captures the launch atmosphere and on-site reactions. They recount countdown glitches and fixes. They describe early in-orbit hiccups like toilets and valves, and the tense lead-up to the crucial translunar decision.
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Launch Team Balanced Caution And Determination
- The launch team balanced caution and determination, troubleshooting issues in real time while remaining committed to launch.
- Mission control fixed flight termination and abort-system glitches quickly, showing preparedness despite previous Artemis 1 problems.
Reporter Saw Last Minute Fixes Close Up
- Rebecca Morelle described the launch as visceral, with the force of the rocket felt through the body at Kennedy Space Center.
- She recounted near-last-minute fixes to the flight termination and launch abort system before the crowd shouted the countdown.
Space Bar View Rattled Glass And Set Off Alarms
- Kristin Fisher watched launch from about 10 miles away at the Space Bar and felt vibrations rattle glass railings.
- She noted the rocket's power set off a car alarm and made the environment palpably intense even at distance.