x
Breaking News
More () »

SpaceX makes history by launching NASA astronauts into orbit for the first time

After being delayed a couple of days, a SpaceX rocket carrying U.S. astronauts took off from U.S. soil for the first time in almost a decade.

TEMPE, Ariz. — America's space program made history on Saturday. It was the first time in nearly nine years that astronauts lifted from a launchpad in the United States. 

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule launched toward the International Space Station around 12:22 p.m. local time. One of many unprecedented features of this flight: it's a commercial launch. 

Jonathon Hill, a mission planner at Arizona State University's Center for Earth and Space Exploration, said, “So instead of NASA running the show, NASA's pretty much just brought tickets, and SpaceX – the company that built the rocket and capsule – is completely running the show.”

RELATED: SpaceX, NASA make history by launching astronauts from US soil

He explained that means mission control is now in Hawthorne, California, not Houston, Texas. This as speeds accelerated passed 12,000 kph or nearly 7,500 mph. And believe it or not, the hope is citizens will soon be able to catch a ride. 

“Although, it's going to be a little expensive to start,” Hill said. “They've been throwing around $25 million.”

Another first, the crew’s rocket was discharged and remotely landed on a barge. 

"We can now use that rocket to launch satellites or potentially even other crews to the International Space Station," Hill said.

RELATED: Try this SpaceX simulator and dock with the International Space Station

Now, these crews may soon stop having to ask Russians for a ride to and from space all while donning new suits designed in part by SpaceX's owner Elon Musk.

“He wanted them to look like they belonged in the 21st Century, not the 20th Century,” Hill said.

One final historical note, this also marked only the fifth time in U.S. history astronauts launched a brand new vehicle. 

RELATED: SpaceX is moving exploration into a new frontier

Before You Leave, Check This Out