SpaceX Inspiration4 mission shares first dazzling photos from orbit.

SpaceX Inspiration4 mission shares first dazzling photos from orbit

That is quite the view.

When you're orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 360 miles, it turns out the views are pretty special.

SpaceX's Inspiration4 — the world's first all-civilian space flight, which jetted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday evening — is now in full swing, with the crew already completing over 15 orbits of the globe.

Immediately following the launch and reports that the crew were all well and fed, we were all waiting for a look inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Finally, the crew has released a first glance — and it looks like they've been busy with their cameras.

Late on Thursday, the official Inspiration4 Twitter account shared four images taken on board the flight, including some awesome shots of the spacecraft's cupola — the transparent viewing dome which offers those aboard a unique glimpse of the Earth far below.


Though the Crew Dragon spacecraft can carry up to seven people, Inspiration4 is crewed by four: Shift4 Payments founder and CEO Jared Isaacman (the billionaire who financed the mission and is acting as commander), physician assistant Hayley Arceneaux, aerospace data engineer and Air Force veteran Christopher Sembroski, and geoscientist Dr. Sian Proctor.


Let's go in for a close-up of those photos.





They're expected to remain in orbit for three days, completing a full orbit of the globe every 90 minutes.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft they're flying in has been adapted specially for the mission, with the aforementioned cupola replacing the ship's docking port (which they won't be needing as they're not going to be stopping off at any space stations en route).

At the end of the journey, the Inspiration4 will land soft water-style off the Florida coast. You can track their progress here.

In the meantime, here's hoping for more photos where those came from.

More in SpaceX

Comments

  1. so where is toilet in Dragon?

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    Replies
    1. Apparently it opens up right in front of the cupola! Quite the view lol

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  2. is there any trouble with the broken part of the spaceship on the third photo?

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    1. So, I’ve looked at this 3 times and I think you’re right, a piece broke off. Concerning to say the least but there doesn’t appear to be any material damage to the pressure vessel itself which is the important part. I think they’re fine.

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    2. All of that part of the vehicle is expendable. Designed that way in case there ever is a problem closing the nose before descent. There is a hatch in place below where the cupola or docking port is that seals the vehicle off and provides thermal protection for reentry.

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    3. Interesting observation, it actually looks like ice buildup although unlikely *Thinking face*

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    4. Unless there is a vapor leak…

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    5. Looks a lot like ice buildup...

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    6. Where is this “broken part” you are referring to?

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    7. I thought the 3rd photo looked staged and they forgot to remove that broken part which looks like in a studio...

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  3. 29 hours after launch we get our first image of the crew alive and well (y)

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  4. Here is a little music that goes well with it. :)

    https://youtu.be/KTrB4IzaIqA

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  5. Too cool! I'm an old space geek who will never experience was you guys are experiencing but you have certainly opened the door for my grand kids! God's speed!

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  6. Well, it sure is nice to know everyone is alive. It took 24 hours to get a few stills? Whoever is in charge of publicity dropped the ball- SpaceX, Netflix or both, no matter what NF shows. Unbelievable lack of promotional knowledge. Really, really poor decision folks.

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    Replies
    1. My guess is Netflix is holding back a lot of footage to show on their Documentary. I'm sure they spent money to have it be exclusive for their content.

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  7. Cute to see affluent people going on space tours Just for fun, using the resources appropriated from wage slaves to pay a private company that's heavily subsidized by the public sector...

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  8. At first, i was like "where are all the photos?? I WANNA SEEE" but then i thought that they might just be soaking it in. And i prefer that. Specially after watching the documentary, it feels nice to think what they're feeling and seeing up there, by themselves.

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  9. Honestly don’t get the mainstream media gushing about Branson and Bezos bunny hops over the Karman Line. This is where it’s at. Orbital. And in a beautiful craft

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  10. but take all some shrooms could be really nice for the show the try out

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  11. These are fantastic images, I can’t wait to see what Netflix puts together. They all look safe and well, so exciting.

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    Replies
    1. You can't wait to pay a company to delay events on purpose, which otherwise you'd be watching live?

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  12. I guess taking quality photos is more difficult than going into space. If you carry a iphone 5 with you you can take better photos.

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    1. Unfortunately, that is probably intentional. They signed deal with Netflix, who is making series about #Inspiration4. The deal probably forbids sharing high-quality photos, because the goal is to boost Netflix's viewership numbers. Very disappointing...

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  13. Nobody brought a pack of crisps along did you?

    https://youtu.be/g1Ov7GYYQKw

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  14. These guys are awesome! Great pics and great work to the crew and teams involved!

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  15. Muss man tatsächlich so hoch fliegen, um das Meer in diesem Blau zu sehen?

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  16. So, are you saying that the earth is round, like a globe?

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  17. Hoping that you’ve acclimatized to microgravity now and the anti-nausea meds are working. I imagine it was a bit rough for you all at first, but maybe you were lucky. Now enjoy this wonderful experience!

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  18. The centrifuge, jet fighter training and zero gravity flight would've prepared them pretty good though

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  19. Bonjour,
    Serait ce vrai départ pour la conquête de l'espace ?
    Ou si certains d'entre vous préfèrent ce mot l'exploration.

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  20. That last shot is great, pity about the quality... can't you guys give them a good camera for next time?

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    Replies
    1. I assume they’re saving the best stuff for the Netflix documentary.

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