SpaceX launches a NASA mission carrying astronauts to the International Space Station

Los Angeles: The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX launched the agency’s Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon Endurance spacecraft roared off Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Shortly after the lift-off, NASA confirmed the main engine cut-off and stage separation.

The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket completed its descent and successfully landed on SpaceX’s drone ship, Just Read the Instructions, off the coast of Florida.

The Dragon Endurance spacecraft has separated from the second stage and is headed to the ISS.

The mission carries NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina to the ISS.

NASA said the crew has safely reached orbit.

During their time in the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct over 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations in areas such as human health and lunar fuel systems, according to SpaceX.

After the Dragon spacecraft docks at the orbiting lab, another four station crew members, the Crew-4 mission, will end their mission and return to Earth just over a week later, according to NASA. NASA Space X ISS Mission NASA Space X ISS Mission

The Crew-4 mission will undock from the space station and splash down off the coast of Florida.

About ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) is a multi-nation construction project that is the largest single structure humans ever put into space. Its main construction was completed between 1998 and 2011, although the station continually evolves to include new missions and experiments. It has been continuously occupied since Nov. 2, 2000.

The ISS is not owned by one single nation and is a “cooperative programme” between Europe, the United States, Russia, Canada and Japan, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).