Instant Replay: SpaceX Rocket Launch Visible During MLS Match
Sep 15, 2021, 8:48 PM | Updated: 8:53 pm

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon capsule flies into orbit after liftoff from launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the first completely private mission to fly into orbit on September 15, 2021 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. SpaceX is flying four private citizens into space on a three-day mission. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Fans saw a rocket launch by SpaceX during the middle of a Major League Soccer match between CF Montréal and Orlando City SC.
The match and rocket launch took place on Wednesday, September 15.
In the middle of the soccer game, SpaceX launched the historical “Inspiration4” from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission was the first orbital flight crewed by only tourists in history.
Shortly after launch, fans at Exploria Stadium and watching on television were able to watch the rocket soaring towards space.
Space X launches first all-tourist crew into space – The Orlando City cameras capture a cool shot. #spacex #mls #Launch @kslsports pic.twitter.com/BooJkP2i4E
— Andy Muñoz (@andymunoz48) September 16, 2021
Exploria Stadium is roughly an hour away from Kennedy Space Center.
CF Montréal vs. Orlando City SC
Romell Quioto had a goal and two assists and Montreal beat short-handed Orlando City 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Montreal snapped a seven-game road losing streak. Orlando had won three in a row against Montreal — all shutouts.
Quioto bent a low ball in to the near post that Lassi Lappalainen redirected into the net to give Montreal a 3-2 lead in the 73rd minute.
Truly something else 🚀 Safe travels @inspiration4x 🌟 @SpaceX | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/VscV1suB3o
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 16, 2021
Sunusi Ibrahim and Mathieu Choinière also scored for Montreal. Orlando City’s Robin Jansson and Ruan Gregório Teixeira scored their first MLS goals.