History was made on Saturday, when SpaceX became the first ever private-owned company to have launched a manned mission to space. This is also the first manned mission from the US soil in over a decade since NASA’s Space Shuttle Program retired in 2011.
NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were launched into space in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, and are scheduled to dock at the International Space Station later on Sunday.
Weather had not been on their side for the past week, keeping the entire personnel of NASA and SpaceX on tenterhooks. The weather which had been unstable all day, slowly started clearing post 1:42 PM EST, giving the go/no go launch protocol, a huge go from all sides.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule is unique: The company handled design and development, though NASA still provides critical safety oversight. It is equipped with special engines called Super Draco thrusters that are designed to blast the crew capsule away from a malfunctioning rocket, taking the astronauts to safety. This special capability is one reason why NASA says SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft is much safer than its predecessor — the Space Shuttle.
NASA and SpaceX had been live-streaming the launch online, which was received with tremendous response worldwide.