SpaceX Launches International Crew to Space Station Using Recycled Hardware
Four astronauts from three countries safely reach the International Space Station after launching from Florida on a recycled SpaceX rocket and capsule.
SpaceX successfully launches four astronauts from three different countries to the International Space Station from the Florida coast. The crew travels aboard the Crew Dragon Endeavor spacecraft, which is the exact same capsule used during the first-ever crewed SpaceX flight last May. A recycled Falcon 9 rocket carries the capsule into orbit just before sunrise in a visually stunning display.
After a roughly 23-hour journey through space, the Crew-2 mission docks safely at the ISS early Saturday morning. NASA's acting administrator Steve Jurczyk praises the spectacular pre-dawn launch and expresses immense pride in the collaborative team effort. The successful docking marks the second time this specific spacecraft connects with the orbiting laboratory.
The diverse crew consists of NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, along with JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet. Kimbrough comments on the incredible experience of launching right as the sun rises over Florida. The astronauts now begin their long-duration stay aboard the space station as part of this ongoing commercial crew mission.