SpaceX launches Inspiration4–first all civilian mission to orbit

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SpaceX launched their first non-NASA crewed mission, Inspiration4, to orbit using their Dragon spacecraft on Wednesday night. SpaceX launched their first non-NASA crewed mission, Inspiration4, to orbit using their Dragon spacecraft on Wednesday night. Image: Cooper Hime / Space Explored

The crew members are not professional astronauts but average citizens. Not selected based on the strict requirements, but for their ability to represent and inspire . Image: Inspiration4 / John Kraus

After months of training Jared Issacman, Sian Proctor, Hayley Arceneaux, and Chris Sembroski rode their Dragon spacecraft into orbit without a hitch. Image: SpaceX

Inspiration4 launched from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. The pad has seen missions to the Moon, Space Shuttles, and now the first all-civilian mission to orbit. Inspiration4 launched from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. The pad has seen missions to the Moon, Space Shuttles, and now the first all-civilian mission to orbit. Image: Derek Wise / Space Explored

The timeline for the launch matched NASA’s crewed missions — the only difference was SpaceX used their own facilities. Image: Derek Wise / Space Explored

The skies were clear. With the sun just recently set, the Falcon 9 gave a beautiful display of RCS thrusters and engine exhaust as it flew. Image: Jared Locke / Space Explored

Inspiration4 plans to return over the weekend with a splash down in the either the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Image: SpaceX