Russian cosmonaut launches from US for first time in 20 years, alongside NASA, Japanese astronauts
For the first time in 20 years, a Russian cosmonaut rocketed from the U.S., launching to the International Space Station alongside NASA and Japanese astronauts despite tensions over the war in Ukraine.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule, with a multinational crew of four astronauts, lifted off from Launch Complex 39-A Wednesday, beginning a five-month mission to the International Space Station.
Spectators at Space View Park in Titusville, directly across from the launch pad, cheered as the rocket blasted off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center.
For the first time in 20 years, a Russian cosmonaut rocketed from the U.S., launching to the International Space Station alongside NASA and Japanese astronauts despite tensions over the war in Ukraine.
She was among the three newcomers on the flight, alongside Marine Col. Nicole Mann, the first Native American woman to orbit the world, and Navy Capt. Josh Cassada.
They were joined by Japan Space Agency's Koichi Wakata, who is making his fifth spaceflight.
They're due to arrive at the space station Thursday, 29 hours after a noon departure from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and won't be back on Earth until March.
They're replacing a U.S.-Italian crew that arrived in April.
Their SpaceX flight was delayed by Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of the state last week.
ALSO READ | Mangalyaan mission over, Mars Orbiter craft non-recoverable, confirms ISRO
ALSO READ | Bam! NASA spacecraft crashes into asteroid in historic defense test | WATCH