After an impressive launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Larry and the Ax-1 crew reached the International Space Station early Saturday morning.
“The launch itself was absolutely amazing and thrilling,” Larry said. “We were hooting and hollering a little bit on the way up.”
Throughout the historic mission, we’ll be able to check in with Larry and the other astronauts to learn about their experiences and research. Our first two opportunities came this weekend via live broadcasts from the rocket and the International Space Station.
Larry’s first video post-launch was captured in the SpaceX Crew Dragon as the crew traveled to the ISS. They went live from the rocket around 3:15 a.m. EST Saturday– sharing their thoughts on the historic liftoff to traveling through outer space.
WATCH: Live In-Dragon broadcast
Larry was the third crew member to float into the orbiting laboratory through the hatch after docking. Ax-1 crew members were welcomed on the ISS during a special pinning ceremony, signifying their new status as astronauts.
WATCH: ISS welcome and pinning ceremony
“Words don’t describe it,” Larry said. “I’m thrilled and honored to be up here. Thanks to SpaceX – phenomenal ride. No pun intended, but it was out of this world.”
Over his eight-day stay on the ISS, Larry will be spending the majority of his time on research projects and outreach to students back home, using this mission as an opportunity to have a huge impact.
“We’re here to experience this, but we understand there is a responsibility. And the responsibility is for this first civilian crew to get it right. That’s what we’re fully committed to with the support of everybody here at the ISS and on the ground,” Larry said.
Stay tuned to Loop throughout the week for additional updates from outer space!