The Artemis II mission is the first time humans have headed to the moon since 1972. That year also marked the debut of The Godfather and the Egg McMuffin.

Track the progress of the Artemis II mission with the latest updates and news from the historic mission to the moon's orbit.

The engine firing provided a slingshot-like boost to the Orion capsule, speeding it up to some 25,000 mph, the velocity needed to break free of Earth's gravitational clasp for a trek to the moon.

"we have a beautiful moon rise, we're headed right at it."

As of Thursday, April 2, the Moon phase is North America is Waning Gibbous, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

The Artemis 2 mission is due to send astronauts on a test mission to the moon and back during the "opening act" of a new age of discovery.

The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when.

The moon-bound Artemis II astronauts, enjoying spectacular views of Earth as it recedes behind them, took a break to chat with their families Friday before reviewing plans for closely observing the moon from the unique perspective of the lunar far side Monday.