SpaceX launches NASA’s Crew-13 toward International Space Station
publishers 35articles 37first reported 23 Sep, 12:19 UTCdeveloping since 24 Sep · 8 editions
SpaceX launched four astronauts toward the International Space Station on Thursday aboard a Crew Dragon capsule, beginning a planned six-month mission in orbit.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida despite earlier concerns about thick clouds, thunderstorms and gusty winds. The Dragon capsule was expected to dock with the station about eight hours after launch. NASA said the planned seven-hour, 50-minute journey would be the fastest trip to the station by a U.S. spacecraft if completed on schedule.
NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins commands Crew-13, becoming the first Black woman to lead a crew into orbit. Watkins, a geologist who previously flew on Crew-4 in 2022, thanked SpaceX for “an amazing ride” after the capsule reached orbit.
The other crew members are NASA pilot Luke Delaney, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. All three are making their first spaceflight.
During their stay, the crew will conduct research and maintain the orbiting laboratory. Planned work includes studies of stem cells related to Parkinson’s disease, crop production for long-duration missions and medical equipment for monitoring astronaut health.
The launch followed a three-week delay while a leak in the capsule’s fuel system was repaired. The mission is SpaceX’s 13th operational crew flight for NASA, excluding its 2020 test flight.
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