SpaceX launches mission to resupply International Space Station after series of delays

SpaceX launched its mission to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday morning after a series of delays.

The Dragon 1 spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., just before 3 a.m., the company said in a statement. The spacecraft is expected to attach to the ISS on Monday. 

Dragon is on its way to the International Space Station! Capture by the @Space_Station crew set for early Monday morning pic.twitter.com/oGs4IrBW9h

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 4, 2019

Saturday’s launch marks the 17th SpaceX mission of its kind for NASA. The spacecraft is filled with 5,500 pounds of supplies to aid more than 250 research studies, according to the company. After four weeks at the ISS, Dragon is expected to return to earth.

{mosads}The spacecraft was originally expected to launch earlier this week, but was delayed due to issues including an electrical problem at the space station, according to CNN.

SpaceX was also delayed after having its own electrical issue with its droneship, a landing platform for rocket boosters, which allows the boosters to be used again later.

NASA’s International Space Station Operations and Integration manager in Houston praised Saturday’s launch.  

“If you have to be up, I can’t think of a better reason than to see one of these launches — it was absolutely spectacular,” said manager Kenny Todd, according to NASA. “We’re really excited to get Dragon on board in a couple of days.”

Success! This morning, @SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft launched on a mission to deliver more than 5,500 pounds of cargo to the crew living and working aboard the @Space_Station. Get the details: https://t.co/bZHz596X5n pic.twitter.com/Rqv70jx986

— NASA (@NASA) May 4, 2019