NASA is preparing for its first launch to the moon in 53 years, with a 10-day journey that will see the Orion capsule propel astronauts to the lunar surface and back. The Space Launch System rocket, currently undergoing repairs, is on track for a Wednesday evening blast-off.

Nasa began the countdown on Monday for humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years. The 32-storey Space Launch System rocket is poised to blast-off on Wednesday evening with four astronauts. After a day in orbit around Earth, the Orion capsule will propel the astronauts to the moon and back. There are no stops – just a quick U-turn around the moon. The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific. Managers said the rocket is doing well following the latest round of repairs....