SpaceX launches the first mission to bring a black woman to the International Space Station | Science

The Crew-4 mission took off from the Kennedy Space Center at 3:52 a.m. local time (4:52 a.m. GMT), with Americans as Jill Lindgren, Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins, as well as Italian Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency. , on board.

Take off! The past few days at the Kennedy Space Center have been both inspirational and busy with the return of the Axiom crew and now the successful launch of Crew-4 astronauts to the International Space Station. On board the station, Kjell, Bob, Jessica and Samantha will conduct investigations that will help NASA To prepare for long-term stays on the Moon — and eventually on Mars,” said the official NASABill Nelson.

Crew-4 is expected to carry out hundreds of scientific experiments, including ongoing research into growing soilless plants in space. Another experiment will be to develop an artificial human retina, taking advantage of the microgravity environment of the International Space Station to help form thin protein films, layer by layer.

“It could eventually be used to replace damaged photoreceptor cells in the eye and possibly restore meaningful vision for the millions of people with degenerative retinal disease,” said the scientist at the technology. NASA Heidi Paris.

The astronauts will spend the day flying freely through orbit and are expected to dock with the International Space Station at approximately 9 p.m. ET.

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