SpaceX delivers four astronauts to the International Space Station just 15 hours after launch
Share this @internewscast.com

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX delivered a fresh crew to the International Space Station on Saturday, making the trip in a quick 15 hours.

Four astronauts from the U.S., Russia, and Japan have arrived at the space station aboard their SpaceX capsule after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. They plan to remain at the space station for at least six months, replacing the current team who has been there since March. SpaceX is expected to return those four astronauts as soon as Wednesday.

The new crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov. These astronauts were initially assigned to different missions. Upon successful docking, Fincke radioed, “Hello, space station!” from high above the South Pacific.

Cardman and another astronaut were removed from a SpaceX mission last year to make space for NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the Boeing Starliner test pilots whose stay on the space station extended from one week to over nine months. Fincke and Yui were originally preparing for the subsequent Starliner mission, but due to the Starliner being grounded over issues with its thruster system, likely until 2026, they have switched to fly with SpaceX instead.

Platonov was bumped from the Soyuz launch lineup a couple of years ago because of an undisclosed illness.

Their arrival temporarily puts the space station population at 11.

“It was such an unbelievably beautiful sight to see the space station come into our view for the first time,” Cardman said once on board.

Although considered fast by U.S. standards, the Russian team still holds the title for the quickest journey to the space station, completing it in a record time of three hours.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department is partially supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP maintains full editorial control over its content.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Democrats Double Down on ObamaCare Reforms After Triumphant Election Wins

With the midterm elections on the horizon, Democrats are finding renewed confidence…

University of Illinois Expert Warns of Prolonged Shutdown Impact: Funding and Travel Challenges Loom

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The record-breaking U.S. government shutdown has reached its…

Key Insights into the Melodee Buzzard Disappearance Case

The search is still underway for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl from…

Google Maps Unveils Cutting-Edge Features Powered by Gemini AI

Exciting advancements are on the horizon for Google Maps, as the company…

St. Pete Beach Mayor Suggests Implementing Tourist Tolls at Entry Points

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — In an effort to revitalize infrastructure…

77-Year-Old Cyclist Defies Odds: Survives Ravine Fall with Only Red Wine

A cyclist aged 77 is on the mend after an astonishing survival…

Georgia Officials Commemorate Launch of State-of-the-Art Hyundai Training Center

ELLABELL, Ga. — State officials in Georgia have officially inaugurated the Hyundai…

St. Andrew’s Bolsters Squad with International Talent in Quest to Defend State Title

In Savannah, Georgia, the St. Andrew’s boys’ basketball team has carved out…

THP Reports Fatal Motorcycle Accident Near Bristol Highway

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday evening, resulting…

Authorities Investigate Kentucky UPS Plane Crash Site for Victims and Clues

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The somber process of locating victims from the catastrophic…

UPS Cargo Plane Crash Sparks Anticipated Shipping Delays: What Businesses Need to Know

NEW YORK – A tragic incident involving a UPS cargo plane crash…

WCSO: Man Detained Following Incident Involving Woman Shot in the Foot

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. — A resident of Johnson City has been taken…