Early Wednesday, the Artemis I rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., as part of an effort to send an unmanned capsule near the moon.

The launch had faced a series of postponements due to weather, including the nearby landfall of Hurricane Nicole and mechanical issues.

Reportedly, the launch marked an initial step to establishing a long-term presence on the moon.

The rocket was built in Huntsville, as noted by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

"Congratulation to the thousands of people right here in the Rocket City that made this launch happen," Battle said in a statement on the heels of the launch. "Huntsville has again redefined what we know to be possible."

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