Baldwin native and NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli is headed to space for the first time Friday, commanding the SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station.

Moghbeli will spend about six months aboard the space station. She expressed excitement about the journey in an earlier interview ahead of the scheduled launch.

The Baldwin community is swelling with hometown pride for Moghbeli. She attended elementary school in Baldwin, where she first decided she wanted to become an astronaut. Moghbeli recently visited students at her alma mater, Lenox Elementary School.

"Just the whole experience was really life-changing for her," said Desiree, whose daughter met Moghbeli during the school visit. "It gave her big dreams."

Former NASA astronaut and Long Island native Mike Massimino offered advice to Moghbeli: "Enjoy it as much as she can."

At the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Friday morning's launch will be replayed all weekend on a big screen, assuming it goes as planned. Museum President Andrew Parton said Moghbeli inspired students during her visit to aim for the stars.