Four astronauts, led by commander Jessica Watkins, launched to the International Space Station on Thursday for a mission running until spring, after a three-week delay to repair a capsule fuel leak.
Key facts
- Four astronauts launched toward the ISS on Thursday aboard a SpaceX flight for NASA.
- Commander Jessica Watkins is the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit, making her second trip to the station.
- The launch followed a three-week delay to fix the capsule's leaking fuel system.
- The mission will stretch until spring.
- One crew member is a Canadian whose wife will give birth while he is away.
Four astronauts rocketed into orbit on Thursday on a mission to the International Space Station that will stretch until spring, according to the Guardian. The flight was launched by SpaceX on behalf of NASA.
The crew is led by commander Jessica Watkins, who the Guardian reports is the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit. The mission marks her second trip to the space station.
The launch had been delayed by three weeks to fix a leak in the capsule’s fuel system. The repair cleared the way for Thursday’s liftoff.
Weather posed an additional challenge, with thick clouds threatening all morning to halt the countdown. In the end, the Guardian reports, the skies cleared enough to allow for a safe liftoff.
Among the four crew members is a Canadian astronaut whose wife will give birth while he is away on the mission, according to the Guardian.
The mission’s extended timeline means the astronauts will remain aboard the orbiting laboratory until the spring.
Why it matters
The successful launch continues the regular rotation of international crews living and working aboard the International Space Station, a hub for scientific research in orbit. Jessica Watkins leading the mission also marks a notable milestone as the first Black woman to command a crew to orbit.
Frequently asked questions
Who is commanding the SpaceX mission to the ISS?
Jessica Watkins is the commander. According to the Guardian, she is the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit and is making her second trip to the space station.
Why was the launch delayed?
The launch was delayed by three weeks to fix the capsule's leaking fuel system, according to the Guardian.
How long will the mission last?
The mission will stretch until spring, according to the Guardian.