SpaceX rocket sends Nasa crew and Russian cosmonaut to International Space Station - in pictures

  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule lifts off at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. EPA
    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule lifts off at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. EPA
  • Nasa astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina were on board. AFP
    Nasa astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina were on board. AFP
  • The crew will spend six months on the International Space Station. EPA
    The crew will spend six months on the International Space Station. EPA
  • The Crew-5 mission is the fifth ISS crew that Nasa has flown on a SpaceX craft since the rocket venture began sending US astronauts into space in May 2020. Reuters
    The Crew-5 mission is the fifth ISS crew that Nasa has flown on a SpaceX craft since the rocket venture began sending US astronauts into space in May 2020. Reuters
  • The launch could also be considered symbolic, with the space agencies' long-term astronaut exchange programme being maintained amid soaring tension over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. AFP
    The launch could also be considered symbolic, with the space agencies' long-term astronaut exchange programme being maintained amid soaring tension over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. AFP
  • Docking with the ISS is scheduled for Thursday at 4.57pm. Getty
    Docking with the ISS is scheduled for Thursday at 4.57pm. Getty
  • The crew poses for a picture at the Kennedy Space Centre. Reuters
    The crew poses for a picture at the Kennedy Space Centre. Reuters
  • Ms Mann greets her family as she leaves the crew quarters at the Kennedy Space Centre. Reuters
    Ms Mann greets her family as she leaves the crew quarters at the Kennedy Space Centre. Reuters
  • Ms Kikina is driven to the launch pad. AFP
    Ms Kikina is driven to the launch pad. AFP
  • The launch was delayed by two days because of Hurricane Ian. AFP
    The launch was delayed by two days because of Hurricane Ian. AFP