NASA's successful Orion launch opens new era in space

Spectators gathered before dawn with their eyes to the sky to watch the debut flight of NASA's Orion spaceship.

NATS: COUNTDOWN

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED SPECTATOR, SAYING:

"I was raised around this area and I've seen plenty of launches and I don't care which one it is, they always thrill me."

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED SPECTATOR, SAYING:

"History in the making, the maiden voyage of the Orion, awesome."

The spaceship designed to one day fly astronauts to Mars had a picture perfect liftoff and splashdown.

For the team behind the launch, there was plenty to celebrate.

SOUNDBITE: WILLIAM GERSTENMAIER, NASA'S ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR HUMAN EXPLORATION & OPERATIONS, SAYING:

"Thank you for catching that spirit that we all feel as human beings, that we as a species are meant to push human presence into the solar system."

The successful test run was an emotional feat for those who have been working to advance space exploration.

SO