4 astronauts successfully launched into space from Cape Canaveral

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying four astronauts was successfully launched into the night sky on Sunday evening from Cape Canaveral, as thousands of Space Coast spectators saw the rocket blast through the atmosphere en route to the International Space Station.

This is the second manned space coast launch after a nine-year hiatus for manned space exploration from Florida.

The Space Coast has been revitalized since June, when NASA and SpaceX brought manned space travel back from American soil. Before June, the United States had not launched a manned flight from the old shuttle in 2011.

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen were on hand to watch the story unfold, along with tourists from all over who flooded the area, including a man from Oregon.

“It’s historic,” said Craig Gleason, an Oregon resident. “It’s great to be back here.”

The crew will spend an additional 24 hours maneuvering to dock with the International Space Station. Mooring is scheduled for approximately 11 p.m. Monday evening.