WATCH: Spectacular pre-dawn SpaceX rocket launch carries 4 astronauts to International Space Station

SpaceX on Friday successfully launched four astronauts en route to the international space station.

The Falcon 9 launched at 5:49 a.m ET Friday morning, from the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew is expected to reach the International Space Station Saturday at 5:10 a.m. ET.

Flying in the craft were Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet of France.

The astronauts are expected to spend six months conducting experiments and maintenance aboard the space station before returning to Earth, according to Reuters. They will join four other astronauts that are currently at the International Space Station that are due to return home on April 28.

Friday’s flight is the third launched into orbit under NASA’s public-private partnership with SpaceX, Reuters noted.

#SpaceX
#LaunchAmerica

[lordaiur]

For some reason, watching these rockets launch always choke me up to where I am fighting back tears. I love it. I guess it's just marveling at what humans can accomplish if we all band together. Maybe it's human pride. Maybe it's hope in our future. Does this happen to anyone else?

[MrPhife]

THIS is what the main stream media should be covering all day long; something to give us hope for a bright future. Amazing to watch as always!

[jazzeyjeff]

So underated. This should be in the main news cycle instead of how many hot dogs Como can eat.

[larrysouthern]

GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED TO THE SPACEX CREW!!!🇺🇸...

[skydivekrazy]

Flatearthers be freaking out about how good CGI is nowadays...

[VictoryAviation]

CONGRATULATIONS SPACEX AND NASA, and AMERICA!!! 🦅🇺🇸

[gloriahaas]

I actually saw this from Salisbury North Carolina at 5:55 this am. Absolutely beautiful in the sky

[Fokkleman]

If you ever get rid of John to do voiceovers for space launches.

There will be nerd riots. And I’ll lead them😂

[jayfountains]

JAXA, ESA, & NASA working together what a beautiful moment for mankind.

[lumber]

What is that object at 13:16 min. It was extremely close to the rocket . Doesn't seem like they noticed

[YR]

This is why SpaceX dorminates Space in the next few decades.

[Dobiecx]

Those are some sharp looking astronauts.

[forester]

Great to be a Canadian, ally of American!

[vamama]

Congrats to the crew and praise for reused gear... Amazing

[A-wl]

Beautiful and innovative humans, this gives me hope for this world! Wonderful names(endeavor, dragon, falcon, and merlin engines) and a lovely nod to our past as we propell ourselves into the future. We are going back to the stars and the universe, where we belong.

[kalidilerious]

If they have trouble finding a 4th astronaut or if they call in sick I can volunteer I guess.

[vxenon]

Launches are always amazing to watch....preferably live in person.

[mrkey]

13:16 .... that object is a little unusual?

[jeffhelman]

congrats all around just a side note did anyone else see the strange orb that flew between the first and second stage after separation?

[marvingarcia]

What's the light behind the ship on minute 10:50.
It appears only one sec and the the light goes away