Artemis II moon launch was so powerful it punched a hole in atmosphere

USA Today · , USA TODAY · 2026-11-06 16:14 UTC

A study suggests the launch of NASA's Space Launch System rocket was so strong, it tore a hole in Earth's atmosphere during the Artemis II mission.

NASA's 322-foot Space Launch System rocket is not only among the largest in the world. It's also the most powerful NASA has ever launched.

The rocket NASA used in April to send four astronauts on the historic Artemis II trip around the moon is an absolute behemoth.

Not only is the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket among the largest in the world. It's also the most powerful NASA has ever launched – about 15% more powerful than its Saturn V predecessor used for the Apollo missions.

Read the full story at USA Today · All coverage of this story