Colleagues of an astronaut who teaches at a UK university said it was an “amazing honour” to see him on board the International Space Station (ISS).
American Dr Mike Barratt, pilot of the Crew-8 mission, teaches space medicine at the University of Exeter.
“We couldn’t ask for more, the university is incredibly proud,” said colleague, Prof Mark Hannaford.
Dr Barratt, who teaches on the university’s extreme medicine programme – which was launched in 2016, is a “god in space medicine”, said Prof Hannaford.
Insights into loss of muscle mass and bone density will be vital for missions to the Moon and Mars, said Prof Hannaford.
“He is passionate about it and we couldn’t have anyone better doing this,” he said.
“There was an element of crossed fingers,” he said.
“We are hugely thankful that everything went smoothly, we’re really pleased for Mike.”
The launch was “mind-blowing” and watching the landing of the re-usable rocket was “amazing”, he said.
“I know Mike was looking forward to this, the culmination of years and years of work,” he said.
“He will be happy as Larry.”
Dr Barratt and the crew, who will be at the space station for six months, have joined a seven-person crew currently at the space station, Nasa said.
The orbital laboratory is some 250 miles (420km) above the Earth.