A four-member crew of two NASA astronauts, a Canadian and a Russian cosmonaut launched from Cape Canaveral aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, heading to the International Space Station for a stay of up to six months.
Key facts
- The crew of four launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
- The crew includes two NASA astronauts, one astronaut from Canada, and a Russian cosmonaut.
- The Falcon 9 rocket carried the Crew Dragon capsule, according to the BBC.
- The crew will spend up to six months aboard the International Space Station, according to the BBC.
A new four-member crew launched from Florida aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, beginning a journey to the International Space Station. The liftoff took place at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, according to NPR.
The crew is made up of two NASA astronauts, one astronaut from Canada, and a Russian cosmonaut, NPR reported. The mix reflects the ongoing international cooperation that underpins operations at the orbiting laboratory.
The BBC reported that the Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral carrying two Americans, a Russian and a Canadian. The crew will spend up to six months aboard the station, according to the BBC.
The launch continues the pattern of regular crewed missions to the International Space Station carried out using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, with astronauts rotating through extended stays in orbit.
Once aboard, the crew is expected to carry out the duties typical of a long-duration mission lasting up to half a year, as described by the BBC.
Why it matters
Crewed launches to the International Space Station keep the orbiting laboratory staffed and operational, supporting ongoing research in orbit. The multinational makeup of the crew highlights continued cooperation in human spaceflight involving the United States, Canada and Russia.
Frequently asked questions
Who is on the new space station crew?
According to NPR and the BBC, the crew consists of two NASA astronauts, one astronaut from Canada, and a Russian cosmonaut.
Where did the launch take place?
The launch took place from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, according to NPR.
How long will the crew stay on the space station?
The crew will spend up to six months aboard the International Space Station, according to the BBC.