
Space exploration company SpaceX on Saturday successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a capsule packed with supplies for the International Space Station (ISS).
The rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida shortly after 5 pm (2100 GMT). The Dragon capsule sitting atop the rocket was loaded with 2.7 metric tons of supplies, NASA said. It is scheduled to rendezvous with the ISS on Monday.
The mission marks SpaceX’s 11th cargo delivery for NASA and the 100th SpaceX launch overall, according to the company. It also was the first time SpaceX launched a Dragon capsule that has already flown before.
About eight minutes after the launch the booster rocket returned to Earth and landed near Kennedy Space Center.
Lightning delayed the launch on Thursday.(dpa/NAN)