SpaceX on Saturday launched a four-person crew to the International Space Station, sending two American astronauts, a Russian cosmonaut and a Canadian into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral and successfully carried the crew on a trajectory to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory. Officials said the team will stay aboard the space station for as long as six months, joining other residents already conducting scientific experiments and station maintenance.
The flight continues the regular rotation of personnel to the International Space Station and underscores the multinational nature of current human spaceflight operations. The mixing of U.S., Russian and Canadian crew members reflects ongoing international collaboration in maintaining and operating the long-running orbital outpost.
Ground teams will monitor the spacecraft as it approaches the station and oversee docking procedures. Once aboard, the newcomers are scheduled to integrate with the existing crew and take part in the station’s research and upkeep activities during their stay.