Artemis 1 is the first test flight of the agency's new Space Launch System megarocket and the Orion crew capsule. The SLS rocket launched the uncrewed Orion spacecraft on an approximately 42-day mission, during which it will orbit the moon before returning to Earth. 

Check back here for live updates on the mission.

The Artemis 1 Space Launch System rocket's upper stage, called the Interim Cyrogenic Propulsion Stage, has successfully separated from the Orion spacecraft, marking the official end of today's launch. 

The ICPS, as it's called, will continue to coast in the wake of the Orion spacecraft. It is carrying 10 small cubesats that will be released in stages on the way to the moon. Some of the small craft will study the moon or test Artemis technologies. One cubesat will deploy a solar sail to visit an asteroid. 

Meanwhile, the Orion spacecraft is on its own journey to lunar orbit. 

NASA will hold a press conference at 5 am EST (1000 GMT) to discuss today's successful launch. You can watch it live on Space.com at start time.