The Artemis II rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and was visible in Wedgefield, Florida, or East Orlando, about an hour from the launch site. Jenn Sanchez captured images of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's contrail and booster separation from her location in East Orlando. The visibility of the rocket over central Florida is rare but not unheard of, depending on weather conditions and viewing angles. "I was outside when I saw the contrail stretching across the sky," Sanchez said. "It was clear enough to see the separation of the boosters." The launch marked a key step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The SLS rocket's bright plume was visible for several minutes after liftoff, with the booster separation occurring approximately two minutes into the flight. East Orlando's proximity to the Space Coast makes it a frequent spot for viewing launches, though visibility often depends on atmospheric conditions. The Kennedy Space Center is about 55 miles southeast of Orlando, and the rocket's trajectory allowed it to be seen in parts of central Florida. Sanchez's photos show the rocket's plume extending over Wedgefield, a neighborhood in southeast Orlando. The Artemis II mission is scheduled to carry astronauts on a lunar flyby later this year. The visibility of the launch in East Orlando highlights the unique opportunity for residents of the Space Coast and surrounding areas to witness space missions up close. No additional details about the launch's trajectory or visibility beyond central Florida were provided by NASA.