Florida, Stetson softball teams pause to watch Artemis II launch during game

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Thousands of local residents, including fans attending the Florida vs. Stetson softball game, were able to witness the Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday evening. The game was briefly paused as spectators pulled out their phones to capture the historic moment when the rocket carrying four astronauts blasted off for a 10-day mission around the moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis II launch is a significant milestone in the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. The close proximity of Stetson University to the Kennedy Space Center allowed the softball fans to experience this historic event firsthand, underscoring the deep connection between the local community and the space industry.

The details

The Florida Gators softball team defeated the Stetson Hatters 8-2, securing a two-game sweep. However, the highlight of the evening was the Artemis II launch, which occurred during the game. Stetson University, located in DeLand, FL, is roughly an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center, allowing the fans to witness the launch from the softball stadium.

• The Artemis II launch took place on Wednesday evening.
• The Florida vs. Stetson softball game was played on the same day as the Artemis II launch.

What’s next

The Florida Gators will now return home to host No. 13/16 Mississippi State in a three-game series beginning on Friday.