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SpaceX first launched astronauts on Friday in a converted Crew Dragon capsule. This is already the third time that space company Elon Musk has brought people to the ISS space station. These are SpaceX’s strengths over the years.
February 6, 2018: Launch of Falcon Heavy heavy missile
That day launched SpaceX has successfully launched its heavy, reusable Falcon Heavy rocket. The set consists of three Falcon 9 missiles, which return to Earth on their own and land upright on land and sea platforms after reaching their target. Two missiles landed successfully within 15 minutes of launch, but the center missile failed.
The launch of the Falcon Heavy sparked a breakthrough in space travel costs. The rocket can bring a payload of 63,800 kilograms into low earth orbit. A payload of around 16,800 kilograms will reach Mars, and a payload of 3,500 kilograms must be able to reach Pluto. That’s far more than the missiles from competing companies could lift. In addition, launches at SpaceX are much cheaper due to the reusable rockets.
May 30, 2020: First launch of a commercial astronaut to the ISS
SpaceX launched that day, the Crew Dragon capsule with two American astronauts on board. This launch was historic: not only was it the first time since 2011 that American astronauts had taken off from American soil, but it was also the very first commercial astronaut launch to the International Space Station (ISS). On board were astronauts Robert Behnken and Doug Hurley.
November 16, 2020: First “ operational ” astronaut flight
That day launched SpaceX is the first successful “operational” flight of the Crew Dragon manned capsule. The first flight, in May, was seen as a demonstration. Only two astronauts were there at the time.
This flight, with four astronauts, was the first real “expedition” launched by SpaceX to the ISS. On board were three American astronauts Shannon Walker, Victor Glover and Mike Hopkins, as well as Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi.
April 23, 2021: First launch in recycled capsule
SpaceX first launched astronauts on Friday in a converted Crew Dragon capsule.
Four astronauts from three different countries are currently en route to the ISS space station. On board the Crew Dragon capsule, this time are NASA Commander Shane Kimbrough and pilot Megan McArthur. She is the wife of Robert Behnken, the astronaut who traveled to space in the same capsule last year.
Japanese mission specialist Akihiko Hoshide and French mission specialist Thomas Pesquet from the European Space Agency (ESA) are also on board. Astronauts are unlikely to return to Earth until the end of this year.
