Artemis 2’s launch in photos, closer than any human can get

Seth Kurkowski | Apr 15 2026 - 1:49 pm PT

On April 1, 2026, NASA launched its biggest mission in recent years. With that, photos of the Artemis 2 mission have taken the internet by storm as the general public have found interest in the historic mission. Our team of photographers, along with other media outlets, were able to place photos closer to view the launch closer than any human can witness the launch, here are our favorites.

How to capture a rocket launch

You can capture photos from rocket launches one of two ways, either from a safe distance with zoom lens or remotely from the launch pad. NASA allows accredited media the opportunity to do both, with select locations at and around launch pads for remote cameras and from designated press sites at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Capturing photos remotely requires specialized sound triggers that can trigger a camera using the loud noise that comes from the rocket’s engines at liftoff. The cameras then have to prepared to survive Florida’s climate for at least two to three days.

When at the press site, you are at least over three miles from the nearest launch pad. For Artemis 2, press were located three and a half miles away with other viewing locations over eight miles away. While this seems far away, this is still closer than the majority of the public, which have to stay off NASA and Space Force property. Max Brewer Bridge, a popular and elevated viewing spot is over 10 miles away.

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With our team on site, here are how our photos turned out!