A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard on the launch pad during a static fire test before the Crew-3 mission, at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. EPA
Sunset on the launch pad as preparations continue for the Crew-3 mission. EPA
Nasa astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer made up the crew. EPA
They will spend six months researching material sciences, health and botany. EPA
The team is expected to dock with the space station after a flight lasting several hours. EPA
Raja Chari (2nd R) speaks to the media in Florida, with Tom Marshburn (2nd L), Kayla Barron (R) and Matthias Maurer. AFP
The astronauts looked relaxed as they arrived at the Kennedy Space Centre. AFP
The purpose of the mission is to help inform future deep space exploration. AP
The Crew-3 astronauts begin their journey to the launch pad. AFP
Matthias Maurer waves as he heads for the launch pad in a Tesla. AP
The Crew-3 astronauts head to the launch pad in a convoy of Tesla cars. EPA / Joel Kowsky / NASA / HANDOUT
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the astronauts lifts off. Reuters
Flames from the rocket lit up the night sky over Florida during take off. Reuters
