The Crew-1 mission astronauts arrived back on Earth early Sunday morning.

Plunging through the Earth’s atmosphere and splashing down by moonlight SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft successfully returned three American and one Japanese astronaut to Earth following six months in space.

Four astronauts returned to Earth early Sunday splashing down in darkness off Florida’s Gulf Coast following a 6-month stay 200 miles above the planet.

SpaceX will attempt the first U.S. splashdown of returning astronauts in darkness since the Apollo 8 moonshot in 1968.

The splashdown return to Earth for Crew-1 has been delayed again.

The astronauts are set to undock from the ISS Wednesday and splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico.

NASA and SpaceX are promising more Coast Guard patrols and fewer pleasure boaters for this weekend's splashdown by four astronauts.

This move will free up the forward port for Crew Dragon Endeavour to arrive later this month.

This photo provided by NASA shows US astronaut Kate Rubins outside the International Space Station during a space walk on Friday, March 5, 2021. Rubins and Japan's Soichi Noguchi floated outside to complete unfinished work from Sunday's spacewalk. (NASA via AP)NASA astronauts are conducting the fifth spacewalk of 2021 Saturday as part of improvements to the International Space Station. Expedition 64 Flight Engineers Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover began the spacewalk at 8:14 a.m. with the work expected to last six and a half hours. pic.twitter.com/sLj2CwAqES — NASA (@NASA) March 13, 2021Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com space newsletter, sent every Wednesday afternoon.

More mounting brackets and struts need to be installed for new and improved solar panels due to arrive in June. (NASA via AP)For the second time this week, two astronauts are conducting a spacewalk on the International Space Station. LIVE: Spacewalk at the @Space_Station with astronauts Kate Rubins and @Astro_Soichi to prepare our orbiting laboratory for solar array upgrades. During Sunday’s spacewalk, Rubins and NASA astronaut Victor Glover encountered a number of stubborn bolts that prevented them from completing the support set-up. pic.twitter.com/mC7YXYpMdK — NASA (@NASA) March 5, 2021Learn more about Friday’s spacewalk and Expedition 64 here.

More mounting brackets and struts need to be installed for new and improved solar panels due to arrive in June. (NASA via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Spacewalking astronauts completed the first round of prep work Friday for new solar panels, part of a major power upgrade at the International Space Station. NASA’s Kate Rubins and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi installed mounting brackets and struts for the improved solar wings due to arrive in June. The eight solar panels have degraded over time; the oldest were launched 20 years ago. Noguchi, Glover and two other NASA astronauts will fly SpaceX back in late April or May.

In this photo provided by Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service, the Progress MS-16 cargo blasts off from the launch pad at Russia's space facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. The Russian Progress MS-16 cargo ship blasted off from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan and reached a designated orbit en route to the International Space Station. (Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service photo via AP)MOSCOW – An unmanned Russian cargo ship launched successfully Monday with a load of supplies for the International Space Station. The Progress MS-16 cargo ship blasted off as scheduled at 9:45 a.m. (0445 GMT) from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan and reached a designated orbit en route to the station. The space outpost is now operated by NASA’s Kate Rubins, Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi; and Russian Space Agency Roscosmos’ Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov.

Let’s take a look at just a few space milestones to be excited about in 2021. James Webb Space Telescope launchIn this photo from April 2015, NASA technicians lifted the James Webb Space Telescope using a crane and moved it inside a clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The James Webb Space Telescope is led by NASA with its partners, the European Space Agency and Canadian Space Agency. Artemis-1 launch from Kennedy Space CenterNASA¹s Space Launch System rocket will launch with Orion atop it from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's modernized spaceport at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA)NASA is in the final stages of testing its mega rocket known as the Space Launch System with the Orion spacecraft, now classified under the Artemis moon program.

Four astronauts who recently arrived on the Space Station via the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft smiled ear-to-ear describing their journey into space Thursday, meanwhile the rocket booster used for the launch is set to return to Port Canaveral later in the day. NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, along with Japanese Space Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi launched Sunday night on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center. After 27 hours in space the astronauts arrived to the space station where NASA astronaut Kate Rubins was waiting to greet them at docking. The American and Japanese astronaut crew answered some questions on Thursday about the new arrivals on ISS. The booster will be used again next year to launch another round of astronauts for NASA to the International Space Station.

SpaceX delivered its second crew of astronauts to the International Space Station late Monday night, just 27 hours after their launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In their first press conference from orbit, the four astronauts described Sunday night's launch and their first impressions of the space station, their new home until spring. It's the first time the space station has had seven long-term crew members all at once, which is expected to boost scientific output. There's energy up here,” said NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, who arrived on a Russian Soyuz capsule a month ago. NASA turned to SpaceX and Boeing to transport astronauts to the space station from the U.S. following the 2011 retirement of the shuttle fleet, reducing America's costly reliance on Russian rockets.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX’s newly launched capsule with four astronauts arrived Monday at the International Space Station, their new home until spring. The Dragon capsule pulled up and docked late Monday night, following a 27-hour, completely automated flight from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. “Oh, what a good voice to hear,” space station astronaut Kate Rubins called out when the Dragon's commander, Mike Hopkins, first made radio contact. But it’s the first time Elon Musk’s company delivered a crew for a full half-year station stay. As they prepared for the space station linkup, the Dragon crew beamed down live window views of New Zealand and a brilliant blue, cloud-streaked Pacific 250 miles below.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – After a flawless launch from Kennedy Space Center sending four astronauts into orbit, private company SpaceX reported issues with the Crew Dragon spacecraft as it began its 27-hour journey to the space station. SpaceX launches astronauts for NASA and its international partners under the agency’s commercial crew program. SpaceX launches 4 astronauts on 6-month journey in space | Highlights from the SpaceX Crew-1 countdown, liftoff and Falcon 9 landing]“Teams are troubleshooting propellant heaters that heat the fuel aboard Crew Dragon,” NASA said in a tweet. A short while later, teams re-enabled the Crew Dragon’s propellant heaters and worked with the astronauts to correct the issue. Teams have re-enabled the Crew Dragon's propellant heaters and will continue collecting data.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Following the tradition of bringing a “gravity indicator” on their spaceflight to the International Space Station, the Crew-1 astronauts selected Baby Yoda for their journey in the SpaceX Dragon capsule. The four astronauts launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in the Crew Dragon capsule called Resilience from Kennedy Space Center in Florida Sunday evening. On the first Crew Dragon flight to the space station without astronauts SpaceX sent an Earth-shaped stuffed animal called Earthy. Baby Yoda is already on a current wave of popularity but a visit to the International Space Station probably won’t hurt. Baby Yoda from the Disney+ show "Mandalorian" seen floating in the Crew Dragon spacecraft on Nov. 15, 2020.

The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 7:27 p.m. from Launchpad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. NASA and SpaceX plan to reused the Falcon 9 rocket booster to launch another round of astronauts to the space station next year. Re-watch the landing below:After liftoff, the Dragon seperated from the rocket’s second stage allowing the astronauts began their journey to the ISS. It will take about 27 hours for the spacecraft to catch up to the space station. For a full recap of highlights from the launch, landing and more watch the video at the top of this story.

The three Americans and one Japanese should reach the International Space Station late Monday for a five- to six-month stay, following Sunday's liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. A brief look at each:—Crew commander Mike Hopkins, 51, is an Air Force colonel and former space station resident who grew up on a hog and cattle farm in Missouri. He played football for the University of Illinois and, before becoming an astronaut in 2009, worked at the Pentagon. —Shannon Walker, 55, a Houston-born-and-raised physicist, also has lived before on the space station. She worked as a flight controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and then behind the scenes in the space station program, before becoming an astronaut in 2004.

The Dragon spacecraft nicknamed Resilience will arrive at the International Space Station about 27 hours after launch, around 11 p.m. Monday. The Dragon spacecraft launch escape system is armed. 4:58 p.m. Space fans ready to watch Falcon 9 launchPeople in Titusville at Space View park came out to watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch with four astronauts from Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 15, 2020. SpaceX suit technicians known as SpaceX ninjas, wearing all black, helped the astronauts get into the Crew Dragon spacecraft and into their seats. “We are fully booked tomorrow, too.”She said without the Crew-1 launch and the earlier SpaceX launch in May, her B&B might not have survived.

As the astronauts made their way outside the O&C building the national anthem was performed by country music artist Travis Tritt. This is the last time the astronauts will see their families in person for six months. 🚗Right on schedule, NASA's SpaceX Crew-1 crew is driving out to the launch pad. After a brief goodbye, the astronauts got into Teslas and began their 20-minute ride to the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A. News 6 and ClickOrlando.com will have complete coverage of the Crew-1 launch.

It is due to reach the space station late Monday and remain there until spring. Even the two astronauts on the first SpaceX crew flight stayed behind at Johnson Space Center in Houston. “I didn’t start breathing until about a minute after it took off,” Pence said during a stop at SpaceX Launch Control to congratulate the workers. The first-stage booster is expected to be recycled by SpaceX for the next crew launch. NASA turned to private companies to haul cargo and crew to the space station, after the shuttle fleet retired in 2011.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – SpaceX and NASA are now targeting Sunday to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center due to weather concerns. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine confirmed the 24-hour delay Friday afternoon, saying it was because of weather at sea and onshore winds. Should there be a launch abort, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft would shuttle away for a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, carrying the astronaut crew to safety. There are certain weather criteria that must be met on land for the rocket to launch and at sea in the event of an abort. “For NASA this booster and SpaceX this booster is very important for us.

Launch crew will arrive on console and the Dragon spacecraft will be configured for launch. 4:52 p.m. SpaceX teams will help the astronauts get into the Crew Dragon spacecraft and into their seats. The Dragon spacecraft launch escape system is armed. 7:26:30 p.m. SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch. 7:39 p.m. (+00:12:00 after liftoff): The Dragon spacecraft will separate from the rocket’s second stage 12 minutes after launch.

It’s unclear if the 24-hour delay will impact how many space fans are expected to drive from out of town to watch the historic launch. Cranis said the first SpaceX human space launch generated $27 million to $28 million in economic impact in Brevard — a welcome boost during the coronavirus-triggered recession. “Alternate routes include State Road 520, U.S. 1, State Road 50 and State Road 46,” Ottaviano said. “Be alert on Interstate 95 for potential slow-downs or back-ups, especially approaching off-ramps throughout Brevard County. Updates will also be issued on the Brevard County Emergency Management Twitter page and Facebook page.

The astronaut crew named their space vehicle Resilience, fitting amid a global pandemic and a launch up against a hurricane. Four days out weather officers are giving the Saturday liftoff at 7:49 p.m. a 60% chance of favorable launch conditions. SpaceX, NASA moving ahead with #Crew1 launch plans for Saturday. This could present a challenge as NASA and SpaceX were planning a dress rehearsal of the launch on Thursday. “Teams will continue monitoring weather conditions for liftoff and along the flight path,” SpaceX said in a tweet.

Another milestone for SpaceX was also announced Tuesday as NASA has officially given the Crew Dragon spacecraft human flight certification. I’m extremely proud to say we are returning regular human spaceflight launches to American soil on an American rocket and spacecraft. A test flight in May with two NASA astronauts to the space station marked the first astronaut launch from Florida since 2011. DRAGON GETS FINAL NASA APPROVALSpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-1 mission arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. In addition to now flying astronauts, SpaceX has been making supply runs to the ISS for NASA for seven years.

The first astronaut launch from American soil happened earlier this summer despite the afternoon storms Florida is known for -- including a tornado warning -- and this time around as SpaceX prepares to launch its second-ever group of astronauts to the space station, launch teams are up against Tropical Storm Eta. [ MORE COVERAGE : Dragon riders: Meet the next astronauts to launch from Florida with SpaceX | SpaceX launches astronauts into orbit, returning human spaceflight to Florida]SpaceX launches astronauts for NASA and its international partners, under the commercial crew program, using its Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The astronaut crew have named this space vehicle Resilience, fitting for the trying times amid a global pandemic. pic.twitter.com/CduCZrsJPr — Troy Bridges (@TroyNews6) November 9, 2020Brevard County, home to KSC, remains in the cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Eta, which is near the Florida Keys Monday and forecast to continue meandering in the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Friday. When the four astronauts do launch, they will travel to the International Space Station and spend up to six months living and working in space.

Four astronauts headed to Kennedy Space Center on Sunday for SpaceX’s second crew launch, coming up next weekend. It will be a speedy trip to the space station, a six-orbit express lasting under nine hours. The four are scheduled to be SpaceXs second crew launch in mid-November 2020. The four will remain in orbit until spring when their replacements arrive aboard another SpaceX Dragon capsule. They will join two Russians and one American who arrived at the space station last month from Kazakhstan.

For NASA, it marks the long-awaited start of regular crew rotations at the International Space Station, with private companies providing the lifts. It will be a speedy trip to the space station, a six-orbit express lasting under nine hours. “Every time there’s a Dragon launch, there will be two Dragons in space,” said Reed, director of crew mission management. NASA turned to private companies for space station deliveries — cargo, then crew — following the shuttle fleet's retirement in 2011. They will join two Russians and one American who arrived at the space station last month from Kazakhstan.

The second-ever crewed launch of the private spacecraft will mark the first operation mission to the International Space Station for Dragon. NASA Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken launched on the first Dragon test flight with astronauts to the space station in May and successfully splashed down in August, becoming the first Dragon riders and NASA astronauts to launch from American soil since 2011. Meet the international crew set to become the second round of Dragon riders below:Mike Hopkins, Dragon commanderIn October 2013, aboard International Space Station Expedition 37 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins prepares the Fluids Integrated Rack for an experiment. “I think you, if you want to be a leader in space, we need to be able to launch our own astronauts into space,” Hopkins said. Victor Glover, Dragon pilotNASA Astronaut Victor Glover during EVA training in 2014.

NASA and SpaceX announced Monday that the launch of its SpaceX Crew-1 mission from Cape Canaveral now has a new target date of Nov. 14 at 7:49 p.m. NASA said American astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi will catch a ride to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket. They have been training to fly in the SpaceX Dragon spaceship together at the company’s headquarters in California. The first Crew Dragon to launch humans was named Endeavour by its passengers, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, who successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center earlier this year, marking the first human spaceflight from Florida’s coast since 2011. Managers of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission plan to host a news conference Wednesday at 4 p.m. to provide more details about the upcoming launch.

NASA announced on Saturday that the launch of it’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission to the International Space Station has been delayed until mid-November. The crew of Shannon Walker, Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins and Soichi Noguchi were supposed to launch from Cape Canaveral on Oct. 31, but the launch was delayed to allow for additional hardware testing and data reviews, NASA announced. The crew will work on science missions and conduct spacewalks for six months once it arrives at the International Space Station.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The next astronauts to launch from Kennedy Space Center will begin their journey into space on the SpaceX Dragon capsule named Resilience. NASA said American astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi will catch a ride to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket. They have been training to fly in the SpaceX Dragon spaceship together at the company’s headquarters in California. On Tuesday, Hopkins revealed the astronauts have named their spacecraft Resilience. The first Crew Dragon to launch humans was named Endeavour by its passengers, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – NASA has added two astronauts to the crew manifest of SpaceX's first operational mission to the International Space Station, a flight slated to launch only after the company demonstrates the capsule's ability to safely take crews to orbit. NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, a former 163-day resident of the ISS in 2010, will fly with previously selected astronauts Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover on Crew Dragon’s first operational flight, according to News 6 news partner Florida Today. But to clear the way for the four-person crew to fly, SpaceX must first demonstrate Crew Dragon's safety with Demo-2, its test mission with astronauts. The company in 2019 launched the capsule on an automated test flight to the ISS, which saw a successful launch, docking, departure, and splashdown off the Florida coast. Astronauts Bob Behnken and Dough Hurley will fly on that test mission to the ISS, tentatively slated for mid-to-late May.