Axiom-4 launches four astronauts to ISS (10 images)

By Wade Sheridan

NASA, SpaceX and Axiom Space launched the Axiom-4 mission from Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place at 2:31 a.m. EDT.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 crew lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, en route to the International Space Station on June 25, 2025. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 2:31 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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As the countdown hit zero and the spacecraft began its ascent from Earth, cheers erupted from mission control during the live broadcast. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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Gas vapors appear as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft head down range after lifting off. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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