RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — NASA has sent astronauts back toward the moon for the first time in more than 50 years -- and Central Virginians can have a front-row seat at the mission without ever leaving the ground. The Science Museum of Virginia is offering real-time updates of the Artemis II's 10-d ay journey inside its Dome planetarium. “Any time guests come in for one of our astronomy shows, we can bring up the Orion capsule where it actually is in space, let them know what the astronauts have been up to, and hopefully provide some live views that the astronauts are capturing as well,” said Justin Bartel, the museum's assistant director of astronomy programs. The historic mission marks NASA’s first crewed trip around the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. Four astronauts are set to orbit the moon aboard the Orion capsule, conducting tests that will help pave the way for a future lunar landing in 2028. “I will tell you, the four of us, we are ready to go,” astronaut Reid Wiseman said ahead of the launch on Wednesday, April 1. The mission includes several historic firsts, featuring the first woman, first Black astronaut and first Canadian to orbit the moon. Astronaut Christina Koch emphasized the broader meaning behind the milestone. “It’s also not about celebrating any one individual,” Koch said. “If there is something to celebrate, it’s that we are at a time when everyone who has a dream gets to work equally hard to achieve that dream.” The crew lifted off at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, just minutes into the mission's two-hour launch window. Bartel explained the importance of the precise timing. “The rocket actually does a lot of the work right off of the launch pad,” he said. “So the initial orbit that the astronauts get sent into needs to be aligned in the right direction to encounter the moon in a few days.” While the spacecraft itself only carries four astronauts, residents can still share in the experience. The museum will begin daily Artemis II updates during its astronomy shows starting at noon on Thursday, April 2. You can view the Dome's daily hours and schedule here. ...read more read less