SpaceX launches first completely civilian-crewed rocket into orbit

16 September 2021, 12:34

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with four private citizens onboard, lifts off in this time-exposure photo from Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Pad 39-A
Private Spaceflight. Picture: PA

The Dragon capsule’s two men and two women are looking to spend three days circling the world, before splashing down off the coast of Florida.

SpaceX has sent the first-ever all civilian-crewed rocket into orbit from the Kennedy Space Centre.

The company’s first private flight blasted off with two contest winners, a health care worker and their rich sponsor.

It was the first time a rocket streaked toward orbit without any professional astronauts on board.

SpaceX’s recycled rocket soared on Wednesday night from the launch pad in Florida which has been used by the company’s three previous astronaut flights for Nasa.

But this time, the Dragon capsule aimed for an unusually high orbit, 100 miles higher than the International Space Station.

The Dragon capsule’s two men and two women are looking to spend three days circling the world, before splashing down off the coast of Florida.

By Press Association

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