Tech

NASA launches four astronauts to ISS in partnership with SpaceX

By Adnan Nasir

NASA along with SpaceX launched a team of four astronauts on a flight to International Space Station (ISS) on Friday. It is the first-ever crew to propel into orbit by a rocket that is recycled from the previous spaceflight.

The crew of three men and one woman from the United States, France and Japan is expected to reach orbit on Saturday morning after a 23-hour ride in the same Dragon Capsule used by SpaceX’s debut crew last May.

The same rocket was used last November on the company’s second astronaut flight.

It was the third crewed flight, launched into orbit, under NASA’s public-private partnership with SpaceX, which owned and founded by Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.

Astronauts Thomas Pesquet, Shane Kimbrough, Akihiko Hoshide and Megan McArthur boarded the three white Teslas for the Launchpad, a tradition started by Musk, who himself made an appearance.

Flying on the recused vehicle has been a key factor in saving cost, as it has been NASA’s goal of entering into the partnership with private players.

Last week, SpaceX beat two other companies, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Dynetics, to gain the contract from NASA of $2.9 billion land astronauts on the moon for NASA.

Tags: Astronauts ISS NASA space SpaceX

Adnan Nasir

Adnan Nasir is pursuing post-graduation in Finance. A media enthusiast with interest in social policy and development. Adnan is currently working as Business and Current Affairs reporter at USAnewshour.com and can be reached at adnannasir39@gmail.com