SpaceX launches 4 astronauts for NASA after private flight

SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts, from left, pilot Bob Hines, mission specialist Jessica Watkins, commander Kjell Lindgren, and European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, of Italy, wave as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building for a trip to Launch Complex 39-A Wednesday, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. The four astronauts will fly to the International Space Station. (AP photo)

The SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts, from left, mission specialist Jessica Watkins, pilot Bob Hines, commander Kjell Lindgren, and mission specialist, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, of Italy, get together after leaving the Operations and Checkout Building for a trip to Launch Complex 39-A. (AP photo)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. (AP photo)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. (AP photo)

Photographers record a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it lifts off in this time exposure from Launch Complex 39-A. (AP photo)

In a slow camera exposure, SpaceX Falcon rocket launches Wednesday, April 27, from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center to the ISS. NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Bob Hines, and Jessica Watkins were joined by European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. (AP photo)