SpaceX launches Crew-5 mission, sends Russian astronauts to space for the first time
The Crew-5 mission consists of two American, one Japanese and one Russian astronaut. These include NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, who will serve as mission commanders and pilots.
Staff Editor 
SpaceX on Wednesday sent four astronauts to the International Space Station as part of the Crew-5 mission. This is the first time that the Elon Musk-led company has sent Russian astronauts into space from its launching vehicle. This launch has been done under an exchange deal between NASA and the Russian space agency Rokosmos. The top Dragon spacecraft of the Falcon-9 rocket has been launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission was launched from Launch Pad 39A at 9.30 Indian time.
The Crew-5 mission consists of two American, one Japanese and one Russian astronaut. These include NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, who will serve as mission commanders and pilots. At the same time, Astronaut Koichi Wakata of the Japan Airspace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Cosmonaut Anna Kikina of Rokosmos will serve as mission specialists. NASA said that with the help of the Falcon-9 rocket, Crew Dragon Endurance will reach the International Space Station at a speed of 17,500 mph. According to NASA, it will be placed on an intercept course with the International Space Station. By reaching space, Crew-5 will do more than 200 science experiments.
Endurance sent to ISS for the second time
SpaceX has so far sent Sarkari and 30 private astronauts into space. Earlier in May 2020, SpaceX sent two NASA astronauts into space. The special thing is that SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket and capsule (Endurance) in which astronauts have left for the International Space Station – ISS, are reusable, that is, it can be used again. This is the second time SpaceX's Endurance capsule has been flown to the ISS.
SpaceX beats Boeing
SpaceX has developed its own Crew Dragon spacecraft and designed its Falcon-9 rocket in an optimal way under NASA's Competitive Commercial Crew Program. Boeing's Starliner capsule has also been left behind in this direction. The Starliner is still in the development phase, and its operational flight has not started due to delays. Both NASA astronauts, who flew on Wednesday, were sent by the space agency from Boeing to SpaceX last year. SpaceX has so far launched crewed missions, while Boeing has carried out only 6 crewed missions so far.
