This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Takeoff ! SpaceX And NASA's Historic Launch Day
SpaceX today launched two astronauts to the International Space Station, the first mission from U.S. soil in nearly a decade and the first by a private company. The flight was originally set for Wednesday but was scrubbed because of bad weather at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
Today’s launch of the Crew Dragon capsule was set for 12:22 p.m. Pacific.
Stage 1 entry burn has started. The #LaunchAmerica crew is heading into orbit. pic.twitter.com/aJUAdj4OC9
— NASA (@NASA) May 30, 2020
Bob Behnken (R) and Doug Hurley on their way to board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket today. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The launch Wednesday was called off shortly before the scheduled takeoff, thanks to tropical storm Bertha, which created "unfavorable weather in the flight path," according to a SpaceX tweet.
The weather was a concern again today but the launch got off on schedule.
Sponsored message
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule is carrying veteran NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on a Falcon 9 rocket, on what is technically a demonstration flight.
The spacecraft will orbit Earth with Hurley and Benhken testing flight capabilities of the spaceship, although it's designed to fly itself and autonomously dock when it reaches the space station.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH THE LAUNCH LIVE:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
