SpaceX launches third crewed mission to ISS

SpaceX launched its third crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, recycling a rocket and spacecraft for the first time. The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

“Endeavour launches once again — four astronauts from three countries on Crew-2, now making their way to the one and only International Space Station,” an announcer said.

Flying on reused vehicles has been a key cost-saving goal of NASA’s partnerships with private industry.

SpaceX has a multi-billion contract with NASA to send humans to the ISS. This is the third time that SpaceX has sent humans to the ISS under the Commercial Crew Program. 

The first mission launched last May and ended nine years of American reliance on Russian rockets for rides to the ISS following the end of the Space Shuttle program.