An international crew has launched towards the International Space Station (ISS) to replace astronauts who returned early following Nasa's first medical evacuation. SpaceX expedited the launch at Nasa’s request, sending American, French, and Russian astronauts on an anticipated eight to nine-month mission, stretching until autumn.
The four are expected to arrive at the orbiting laboratory tomorrow, filling vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues last month and bringing the space station back to full staff. Prior to their arrival, Nasa had put spacewalks on hold and deferred other duties.
