SpaceX Dragon capsule launched to space station

Update:

By MARCIA DUNN
AP Aerospace Writer

   CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- A commercial supply ship is on its way to the International Space Station.
   The California-based SpaceX launched its unmanned Falcon rocket from Cape Canaveral on Sunday night. Aboard the rocket was a Dragon capsule holding 1,000 pounds of cargo, including chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream for the three station residents.
   This is the first Dragon launch under a $1.6 billion contract between SpaceX and NASA. The contract calls for 12 resupply missions.
   A Dragon flew to the space station in May, but it was a test so nothing vital was aboard. The newest Dragon is hauling key experiments and other precious gear.
   Dragon will reach the orbiting lab Wednesday. It will remain docked for nearly three weeks before returning to Earth with an even bigger load.



   CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- A lot depends on the weather but if all goes well tonight, the first privately contracted supply mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to get under way.
   California-based SpaceX will attempt to send a Dragon capsule to the orbiting lab and its three-member crew. It's already done it once, but that was considered a test flight, not part of a $1.6 billion contract with NASA for a dozen resupply missions.
   Liftoff is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. EDT. Forecasters put the odds of acceptable weather at 60 percent. Thick clouds and rain are the main concerns.
   The Dragon is also scheduled to bring back used equipment and experiments. Unlike Russian cargo ships, the Dragon parachutes to earth for recovery.
   This newest Dragon will haul about 1,000 pounds of food, clothes and gear, including ice cream.
   The capsule will remain docked to the space station for most of October.SpaceX Dragon capsule launched to space station

Posted: Sunday, October 7 2012, 07:48 PM CDT