‘Endeavour launches once again’: NASA, SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission lifts off from Space Coast

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts are on their way to the International Space Station after launching from the Space Coast on Friday.

NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet boarded the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft.

It is the second crew rotation flight of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the space station, and the first to carry two international crew members.

READ: Crew-2 mission: Meet the 4 astronauts set to lift off from the Space Coast

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 62

Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station In this long exposure photo, photographers watch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon space capsule lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The astronauts are traveling to the International Space Station for a six-month science mission in the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which will launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A.

The Crew-2 mission lifted off at 5:49 a.m. Friday.

READ: Crew-2 mission: What time, how to watch

Read live updates below:

6:08 a.m. UPDATE:

The Crew Dragon has separated from Falcon 9′s second stage and it is on its way to the International Space Station. SpaceX said it will dock at the space station at 5:10 a.m. Saturday.

5:52 a.m. UPDATE:

A Falcon 9 rocket successfully blasted off from the Space Coast. “Endeavour launches once again,” a NASA official said. Four astronauts from three countries are on their way to the International Space Station.

5:48 a.m. UPDATE:

Officials said the Falcon 9 rocket is completely fueled.

5:46 a.m. UPDATE:

The clap arm is opening as officials prepare for launch. Officials said the liquid oxygen that loaded on the second stage is complete.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 22

SpaceX Crew Launch FILE - In this Friday, April 16, 2021 file photo, SpaceX Crew 2 members, from left, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA astronauts Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide gather at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. This is the most internationally diverse crew yet for SpaceX. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)

5:39 a.m. UPDATE:

NASA officials said things are looking good for launch. The rocket is expected to lift off from Cape Canaveral at 5:49 a.m.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center said fuel loading is complete on the first stage. Liquid oxygen loading has begun on the second stage.

5:28 a.m. UPDATE:

SpaceX said the propellant loading of Falcon 9 has begun and the Crew Dragon’s escape system is armed.

5:16 a.m. UPDATE:

NASA said the mission is “go” for launch. The crew arm is retracing from the Falcon 9 rocket. Next, NASA said it will arm the launch escape system and propellant load.

5:07 a.m. UPDATE:

The crew arm is moving away from the Falcon 9 rocket as officials prepare for launch.

4:41 a.m. UPDATE:

SpaceX said the crew is ready for lift off.

4:28 a.m. UPDATE:

Meteorologist Rusty McCranie said weather conditions continue to look great for the scheduled launch time.

Officials said the launch weather is 90% favorable.

READ: Crew-2 mission: NASA, SpaceX ready for early morning launch

4 a.m. UPDATE:

NASA said the Crew-2 astronauts are ready to go to space. The hatch is now closed on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft.

3 a.m. UPDATE:

A suited-up Crew-2 was enthusiastic during this morning’s walk out:

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 47

ULA Atlast V AHEF-4 Oct 17 2018 ULA Atlast V AHEF-4 Oct 17 2018 Picture Jon Galed (Jon Galed/Jon Galed)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Cox Media Group