The engine firing provided a slingshot-like boost to the Orion capsule, speeding it to 24,500 mph, the velocity needed to break free of Earth's gravitational clasp for a trek to the moon.
The Artemis II astronauts broke out of Earth orbit and headed for the moon Thursday, firing their main engine for nearly six minutes to boost the ship's velocity to 24,500 mph, the speed required to escape Earth's gravitational clasp.
Racing through ... [4505 chars]