Four-Person Crew Launches Toward International Space Station

A four-person crew launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule on a mission to the International Space Station, NPR and The Guardian reported.

According to NPR, the crew includes two NASA astronauts, an astronaut from Canada and a Russian cosmonaut. Liftoff took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The Guardian identified the commander as Jessica Watkins, reporting that she is the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit and is making her second trip to the station. The mission is set to last until spring.

The Guardian also reported that the launch followed a three-week delay while the capsule’s leaking fuel system was repaired. Thick clouds threatened the countdown, but conditions cleared sufficiently for a safe liftoff.

Separately, The Guardian reported that the Canadian astronaut’s wife will give birth during his absence; NPR’s supplied account did not include that detail.

Sources

• NPR: New space station crew launches from Florida on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule
• The Guardian: SpaceX launches crew to ISS successfully: ‘Thanks for an amazing ride’