SpaceX successfully launched the Ah-2 private mission into space, which included the first female astronaut from Saudi Arabia. The launch took place using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle on the evening of May 21, Space reports.. com.

It is noted that the ship will spend 17 hours in orbit, and then dock with the International Space Station.. Docking will take place on the afternoon of May 22.

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Liftoff of Ax-2! pic. twitter. com/YS3SDuStNy.

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 21, 2023.

The first stage of the launch vehicle successfully landed on the spaceport approximately seven minutes and 42 seconds after launch.. The Dragon capsule separated from the rocket's second stage about 12 minutes after launch..

On board are former NASA astronaut Peggy Whiston (crew leader), paying passenger and pilot John Schoffner, and two Saudi astronauts, Ali al-Qarni and Ryan Barnavi..

Ax-2 is go for launch pic. twitter. com/GJZDES7HN4.

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 21, 2023.

Earlier, NASA decided to develop a spacecraft that could de-orbit the International Space Station and send it to controlled destruction in the Earth's atmosphere.. This will be done after the plant is out of service..