The four amateur astronauts who make up the first all-civilian crew ever to orbit the Earth have had an “incredible” first day in space.

The Dragon capsule containing the group was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday night.

As part of the Inspiration4 mission, the crew are due to spend about three days in space, orbiting the planet every 90 minutes at a speed of more than 17,000mph and an altitude of 360 miles – higher than the International Space Station and Hubble Telescope.

The mission posted an update on the crew members on Twitter.

“The crew of #Inspiration4 had an incredible first day in space! They’ve completed more than 15 orbits around planet Earth since liftoff and made full use of the Dragon cupola,” they said.

The cupola is a transparent dome that will provide the astronauts with stunning views of space and Earth.

The four people aboard the Dragon capsule are Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Chris Sembroski, and Dr Sian Proctor.

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During their trip, they will carry out a series of science experiments before returning home.

Mr Isaacman is the man behind the mission, and paid an undisclosed sum to get the project off the ground.

An experienced pilot, he wants the journey to raise awareness for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

The others are a health care worker and two competition winners.

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