SpaceX launched 4 astronauts to the International Space Station for Axiom Space in the first ever all-private mission

• Commercial aerospace firm Axiom Space launched the first private astronaut mission to the ISS Friday.
• The four-man civilian crew was blasted into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship.

SpaceX has made history by launching the first all-private crew of astronauts to the International Space Station Friday, on behalf of commercial aerospace firm Axiom Space.

The Axiom-1 mission's crew comprised Michael López-Alegría, Larry Connor, Mark Pathy, and Eytan Stibbe, who were blasted into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:17 a.m. EDT, $4.

"What a historic launch! Thank you to the dedicated teams at NASA who have worked tirelessly to make this mission a reality," NASA chief Bill Nelson said.

He added: "Congratulations to Axiom, SpaceX, and the Axiom-1 crew for making this first private mission to the International Space Station a reality."

According to the space agency, the astronaut team will spend more than a week on the ISS carrying out scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities.

NASA will broadcast the docking of the SpaceX capsule, hatch opening, and welcome ceremony live starting at 5:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, via $4.

The four men each have varying roles during the mission. López-Alegría, a retired NASA astronaut and Axiom vice president, will serve as the commander of the flight. Connor, an activist investor, will serve as the mission pilot, while Pathy, a Canadian investor, and Stibbe, an Israeli businessman, will act as mission specialists.

Insider previously reported that a seat on the historic flight cost the crew members $4.

"This journey is the culmination of long hours of training, planning, and dedication from the crew and the entire Axiom Space team, our partners at SpaceX, and of course, a credit to NASA's vision to develop a sustainable presence in low-Earth orbit," said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space.

In the most recent update of the mission, Axiom Space $4: "The $4 astronauts (and Caramel the dog) just checked in as they pass over the southern tip of South America. They are preparing to dock to the $4."

Axiom Space is due to launch a $4 between fall 2022 and late spring 2023. Record-breaking astronaut $4 will serve as commander of the flight while John Shoffner will act as mission pilot.