Four astronauts were on their way to the International Space Station Friday after they successfully embarked on their research mission to the orbiting laboratory.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new crew rocketed toward the International Space Station on Friday to replace the astronauts who returned to Earth early in NASA’s first medical evacuation.

During their eight months on the outpost, the four astronauts will conduct many experiments, including research into the effects of microgravity on their bodies.