SpaceX launch – in pictures

  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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 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
    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
    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 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
    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
    Flames from the rocket lit up the night sky over Florida during take off. Reuters