SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket for Axiom Mission 2 (10 images)

By Wade Sheridan

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the four-member Axiom Mission 2 crew as they headed towards the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday. The crew took 19 hours to reach the International Space Station, where they will stay for eight days.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Axiom Mission 2 crew to the International Space Station at 5:37 p.m. EDT from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 21, 2023. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

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The new rocket soared into partially cloudy skies to start circling Earth about nine minutes later. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

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The Falcon 9 rocket returns to Landing Zone 1 after launching the Axiom Mission 2 crew. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

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The trip is being conducted by Axiom Space, based in Houston. The company is operating its second private astronaut mission in a contractual deal with NASA. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

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