Finally, some good news to talk about for a bit.
The SpaceX shuttle launch of its Crew Dragon capsule went off today without a single hitch.
There was a worry that there could be yet another weather delay that got in the way, but nope! We’re in the clear and, for the first time since 2011, astronauts have been set out to the International Space Station from a launch on U.S. soil.
The astronauts are already on the way to the International Space Station and should arrive on Sunday morning if things go according to plan.
The launch looked absolutely incredible. SpaceX documented each moment on Twitter and it’s the coolest thing you’ll see today.
They started with liftoff.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/DRBfdUM7JA
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 30, 2020
We even got to see the main engine cutoff separation and the start of the second engine burn.
Main engine cutoff and stage separation confirmed. Second stage engine burn underway https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK pic.twitter.com/BFFXVRrbQ6
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 30, 2020
And if that wasn’t cool enough already, the Falcon 9 booster that broke off somehow landed itself perfectly on a target in the middle of the sea after falling down from space.
Falcon 9 booster has landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship! pic.twitter.com/96Nd3vsrT2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 30, 2020
It was absolutely perfect. The internet got a chance to enjoy it — even if it was for just a second.
How cool was the @SpaceX launch today. I watched it live, that stuff never gets old for me. I love it, space, last frontiere, exploring and adventure.
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) May 30, 2020
@spacex you saved 2020.
— cardoso (@Cardoso) May 30, 2020
Well done to Elon Musk for a most spectacular launch of the “SpaceX’s 1st astronaut mission”. Wasn’t that so inspiring. Feels good to know that dreams can come true.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) May 30, 2020
Space travel never gets old.
There’s something inherently authentic and thrilling about it, including how it comes together, the planning, and the execution.
Watching a rocket launch into the sky never loses its luster.#spacexlaunch #SpaceX
— Dan Buffa (@buffa82) May 30, 2020
We also had a pretty awesome moment when we realized Bob Behnken, one of the astronauts on board, actually brought his son’s toy dinosaur into space with him.
That’s right, fam. A toy dinosaur was launched into space before you were. Imagine that.
imagine that your dad is an astronaut and takes your dinosaur into space #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/5MuBnnQuLr
— Yochi wants to see The 1975 [] (@Meandu2gether_Y) May 30, 2020
This was absolutely awesome and much needed with everything else that’s going on in our lives right now. Yes, it’s only a moment. And there are important things going on right here down on earth.
But still, our future just got a little bit brighter. And with the way 2020 has gone for all of us so far, that’s a big win.