SpaceX flight led by first Black female commander sets US speed record
A SpaceX mission commanded by Jessica Watkins successfully docked at the International Space Station, setting a new US speed record for the journey. The mission is notable for being the first to be led by a Black female commander.
Why it matters
This mission represents a significant milestone in both aerospace engineering efficiency and diversity in space exploration leadership.
1:12 First Black female space commander gives update from international space station - video SpaceX ‘An amazing ride’: SpaceX flight led by first Black female commander sets US speed record Four astronauts pulled up at International Space Station after eight-hour express flight led by Jessica Watkins
Prefer the Guardian on Google Four astronauts pulled up at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday after launching on an eight-hour express that set a US speed record, and that created further history with the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit.
SpaceX launched commander Jessica Watkins and her crew for Nasa after a three-week delay to fix their Dragon capsule’s leaking fuel system. Thick clouds threatened all morning to halt the countdown but skies cleared enough to allow a safe liftoff from Cape Canaveral at 11.10am (1510 GMT).
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