The Crew Dragon capsule docked at the ISS at 2:16 p.m. GMT, a few minutes ahead of schedule, after approximately 19 hours of travel. Numerous checks and adjustments were then made, and about three hours later, the capsule hatch was opened.
The two best friends, former military pilots, then found the current residents of the station, their American compatriot Chris Cassidy and two Russian astronauts, for a collective photo.
"The whole world has followed this mission and we are so, so proud of all that you have done for our country, and in reality to inspire the world", congratulated them from Earth, NASA boss Jim Bridenstine, right after their arrival.
"It has been an honor to be part of this nine-year effort since the last time an American vehicle docked at the international space station," said Doug Hurley, 53, after the successful docking.
Since the end of the space shuttles in 2011, only Russian rockets have sent the Americans to the ISS, which travels at 27,000 km / h around the Earth.
