Video: NASA, SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronauts travel to International Space Station after historic launch After a dazzling pre-dawn launch from the Kennedy Space Center that first lit up and then transformed the sky over Launch Complex 39A, the Crew-2 astronauts are (Q McCray, WFTV.com)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After a dazzling pre-dawn launch from the Kennedy Space Center that first lit up and then transformed the sky over Launch Complex 39A, the Crew-2 astronauts are on their way to the International Space Station.
Commander Shane Kimbrough shared a view from inside the SpaceX Crew Dragon “Endeavour” shortly after the launch.
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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)
APTOPIX SpaceX Crew Launch A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off in this time exposure from Launch Complex 39A Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)
Space X Crew Launch A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide onboard, Friday, April 23, 2021, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via AP) (Aubrey Gemignani)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon space capsule leaves a trail of smoke as it lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch The rocket launch from the Mills 50 area.
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch The rocket launch from the Mills 50 area.
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
Crew prepares for launch. (SpaceX)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station In this image made from NASA video, astronauts are seen in the cockpit of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft after lift off for the Crew-2 mission from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station In this image made from NASA video, NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide are seen in the cockpit of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft after lift off for the Crew-2 mission from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP)
SpaceX launches 3rd crew in under year, fly on reused rocket In this image made from NASA video, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off for the Crew-2 mission carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP)
NASA, SpaceX Crew-2 rocket launch (WFTV Staff)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station 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)
SpaceX launch: 10 stunning photos captured by skygazers A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off in this time exposure from Launch Complex 39A Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station In this image made from NASA video, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off for the Crew-2 mission carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station In this image made from NASA video, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is seen before its liftoff for the Crew-2 mission carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP)
Crew-2 launches from KSC's Complex 39-A aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket - clipped version Crew-2 launches from KSC's Complex 39-A aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket - clipped version
SpaceX launches 4 astronauts to International Space Station
SpaceX Crew Launch Photographers watch SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon space capsule lift off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)
SpaceX Crew Launch 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) (Brynn Anderson)
SpaceX Crew Launch The Crew Dragon space capsule astronauts, from front left; NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and back row European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide leave the Operation and Checkout Building on their way to board the capsule for a mission to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (Uncredited)
SpaceX Crew Launch The Crew Dragon space capsule astronauts, from front left, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide leave the Operation and Checkout Building on their way to board the capsule for a mission to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (Uncredited)
Photos: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, left, and Megan McArthur, right, wave farewell, as they prepare to depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-2 mission launch with crew mates ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, Friday, April 23, 2021, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via AP)
SpaceX Crew Launch Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide smiles as he talks to family and friends after leaving the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide smiles as he talks to family and friends after leaving the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough greet family members after leaving the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide waves to family and friends after leaving the operations and checkuot building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch NASA astronaut Megan McArthur waves to family and friends after leaving the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough waves as he leaves the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, of France, left, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide wave as they leave the operations and checkout building before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk, left, and Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk, right, watch as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, prepare to depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-2 mission launch, Friday, April 23, 2021, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via AP) (Aubrey Gemignani)
SpaceX Crew Launch NASA acting administrator Steve Jurczyk, center, and SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, right, arrive for the walkout of the SpaceX crew before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch A SpaceX rocket with the company's Dragon capsule is illuminated by spotlights on the launch pad, early Friday, April 23, 2021, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. SpaceX aimed to launch its third crew a little before sunrise Friday, this time using a recycled capsule and rocket. The four astronauts, representing the U.S., Japan and France, were supposed to fly to the International Space Station on Thursday. But liftoff was delayed because of poor weather offshore. (Joel Kowsky/NASA via AP) (Joel Kowsky)
Crew 2 launches from Cape Canaveral (WFTV Staff)
SpaceX Crew Launch SpaceX astronauts, from left, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, leave the operations and checkout building for a trip to the launch pad Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch NASA acting administrator Steve Jurczyk, left and SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk arrive for the walkout of the SpaceX crew before a launch attempt Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX Crew Launch This Sunday, April 18, 2021 photo made available by SpaceX shows, from left, NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide during a dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for their Thursday, April 22 launch. For the first time, NASA is putting its trust in a recycled SpaceX rocket and capsule for a crew. (SpaceX via AP) (Uncredited)
SpaceX Crew Launch In this Wednesday, April 21, 2021 photo provided by NASA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard sits on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., at sunset. NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide are scheduled for a Friday launch. (NASA/Joel Kowsky) (Joel Kowsky)
Crew 2 launches from Cape Canaveral (WFTV Staff)
SpaceX Crew Launch In this image made from NASA video, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off for the Crew-2 mission carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from Launch Complex 39A, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (NASA via AP) (Uncredited)
SpaceX Crew Launch Members of the SpaceX Crew 2, from left, Thomas Pesquet, of the European Space Agency, NASA astronauts Megan McArthur, Shane Kimbrough, and Akihiko Hoshide, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, are shown on a video screen as the SpaceX Falcon 9 with the crew Dragon capsule sits on Launch Complex 39A Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)
Space X Crew Launch Members of the SpaceX Crew 2, from left, Thomas Pesquet, of the European Space Agency, NASA astronauts Megan McArthur, Shane Kimbrough, and Akihiko Hoshide, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, are shown on a video screen as the SpaceX Falcon 9 with the crew Dragon capsule sits on Launch Complex 39A Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)
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)
SpaceX This undated photo made available by SpaceX in April 2021 shows the crew for its third astronaut launch to the International Space Station, during a training session at the SpaceX training facility in Hawthorne, Calif. From left are mission specialist Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency, pilot Megan McArthur and commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA, and mission specialist Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. (SpaceX via AP) (Uncredited)
SpaceX Crew Launch Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana, center, welcomes SpaceX Crew 2 astronauts, from left, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur as they arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 16, 2021. The launch to the International Space Station is targeted for April 22. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)
SpaceX launch viewed at Disney World Disney photographers captured stunning photos of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, with Crew Dragon atop, soaring above Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Kent Phillips and David Roark)
SpaceX launch viewed at Disney World Disney photographers captured stunning photos of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, with Crew Dragon atop, soaring above Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Kent Phillips and David Roark)
“Welcome on-board Endeavour,” he said. “We’re over eastern South Africa, looking out our windows. We had an incredible launch. Hopefully you guys got to watch it.”
Kimbrough and fellow NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European astronaut Thomas Pesquet will dock at the space station Saturday at about 5 a.m.
Once Crew-2 arrives at the space station, teams can turn their attention to the return of Crew-1.
Crew-2 launched on a refurbished first stage Falcon 9 booster, and the crew is flying the same Crew Dragon that astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken flew in May 2020.
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