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The next big leap

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March 2, 2019

Curved bright streak of a rocket launch, with a palm tree in front. — View at EarthSky Community Photos. | EarthSky community member Michael Holland captured this photo of the SpaceX launch. The capsule was uncrewed and only a demonstration … but it’s also the 1st commercially-built and operated American spacecraft designed for humans to dock at the International Space Station. It took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida just before 3 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

LIFTOFF! The next big leap in a new chapter of U.S. human spaceflight systems has left the pad. @SpaceX’s #CrewDragon demo flight will be the 1st commercially-built & operated American spacecraft designed for humans to dock at the @Space_Station. Watch: https://t.co/Fm5NQSfAXJ pic.twitter.com/YoiOf67kQL

— NASA (@NASA) March 2, 2019

Bottom line: Successful test launch of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, designed to eventually carry humans to the ISS.

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March 2, 2019

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.