CHARLOTTE — SpaceX launched four astronauts from Florida to the International Space Station Friday morning, and the historic launch was visible in the pre-dawn sky across North Carolina.
Minutes after the rocket lifted off, a bright light could be seen streaking through the Charlotte sky.
[ READ MORE: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on reused capsule, rocket to International Space Station ]
Viewers from all across North Carolina rushed outside to catch a glimpse of the rocket, which was carrying four astronauts from the U.S., Japan and France. They’re headed to the International Space Station and should arrive there Saturday morning, following a 23-hour ride.
>> You can share your photos and video of the launch below.
What’s most special about this launch is that it happened using a capsule and rocket that have already been used before. It was the first time SpaceX reused a capsule and rocket to launch astronauts for NASA, after years of proving the capability on station supply runs.
[ SpaceX launch: 10 stunning photos captured by skygazers ]
The rocket was used last November on the company’s second astronaut flight.
This browser does not support the video element.