SpaceX Takes an All-Civilian Astronauts into Orbit in First Private Crew Spaceflight

Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched a successful Inspiration4 mission into orbit on Wednesday, with nonprofessional astronauts onboard.

Source: CNBC

The mission, launched from NASA’s facility in Florida, is the first to carry private crew. The flight included the first female pilot of black race and youngest American into space.

Onboard were pilot Sian Proctor, commander Jared Isaacman, medical officer Hayley Arceneaux, and Chris Sembroski, a mission specialist. The crew will stay in orbit for about three days.

The spaceflight aimed to raise $200 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said the successful spaceflight opens the door for the future accessibility of space.

NASA’s deputy administrator Pamela Melroy hailed the mission as a testimony of what happens when the public and private sectors collaborate. She said the mission is critical for building a sustainable economy for commercial transportations into space.