Four Astronauts Head To International Space Station Mission

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sits on Launch Pad 39-A, behind a large video photo of the crew, from left, Alexander Grebenkin, of Russia, Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, Friday, March

Four astronauts embarked on a journey to the International Space Station on Sunday aboard SpaceX's Falcon rocket. The crew, consisting of NASA's Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Russia's Alexander Grebenkin, is set to oversee the arrivals of two new rocketships during their upcoming half-year stay.

The astronauts are expected to reach the orbiting lab on Tuesday, where they will replace the current crew comprising members from the U.S., Denmark, Japan, and Russia who have been on the station since August.

Despite facing a three-day delay due to high winds, the crew's launch proceeded successfully. However, a minor issue with a seal on the SpaceX capsule's hatch almost caused another postponement on Sunday night. Fortunately, after thorough reviews, the mission was deemed safe to proceed.

During their six-month mission, the crew will witness the arrival of two rocketships ordered by NASA. Boeing's Starliner capsule, carrying test pilots, is scheduled to arrive in late April, followed by Sierra Space's Dream Chaser mini shuttle a month or two later, primarily for cargo delivery.

The crew will replace the current ISS members and oversee the arrival of two new rocketships.

Four astronauts, including Jeanette Epps, head to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Falcon rocket.

Launch faced a three-day delay due to high winds but proceeded successfully.

A minor issue with a seal on the SpaceX capsule's hatch almost caused another postponement.

Boeing's Starliner capsule and Sierra Space's Dream Chaser mini shuttle are set to arrive for cargo delivery.

Jeanette Epps, the second Black woman on a long station mission, aims to inspire Black girls.

The crew includes Navy pilot Matthew Dominick, Russian officer Alexander Grebenkin, and veteran astronaut Michael Barratt.

Notably, astronaut Jeanette Epps, the second Black woman assigned to a long station mission, expressed her pride in serving as a role model for Black girls, emphasizing that spaceflight is an achievable option for everyone. Epps, an engineer with a diverse background, joined NASA as an astronaut in 2009 and was reassigned to SpaceX after delays with Boeing's Starliner.

The crew also includes Navy pilot Matthew Dominick, former Russian military officer Alexander Grebenkin, and veteran astronaut Michael Barratt, who at 65 years old, is the oldest full-time astronaut to fly in space. Barratt highlighted the importance of health, fitness, and engagement for successful space missions.

Meanwhile, flight controllers are closely monitoring a cabin leak on the Russian side of the space station, which has doubled in size recently. Despite the issue, NASA assures that there is no impact on station operations or crew safety.