NASA is preparing to launch humans to the Moon for the first time in 53 years with the historic Artemis II mission, scheduled for 6:23 am AWST on Thursday morning.

Press PLAY to hear about the Artemis II mission

Matt Woods from Perth Observatory explained to 6PR Mornings host Russell Collett that Artemis II is anticipated to be historic, as its four-person crew is set to include the first woman, person of colour, and non-US citizen to travel to the moon.

“When it comes to rocket science, it’s very hard and you want the best of the best,” he said.

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Image: Joe Raedle/Getty Images