SpaceX launches resupply mission to International Space Station

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HAWTHORNE (CNS) - Hawthorne-based SpaceX launched its 22nd resupply mission to the International Space Station today, carrying more than two tons of supplies to the orbiting outpost.

The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Cargo Dragon spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida at roughly 10:30 a.m. California time.

As has become customary for SpaceX launches, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket returned to Earth after propelling the Dragon craft on its journey, landing on a barge called "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Atlantic Ocean for reuse in future missions. The Falcon 9 rocket used in Thursday's launch was new and had never flown before -- a rarity for SpaceX missions.

The Cargo Dragon spacecraft is expected to reach the International Space Station early Saturday.

In addition to carrying supplies for the space station crew, the Dragon is also carrying various scientific experiments and a pair of roll-out solar arrays that will be installed at the station during upcoming astronaut spacewalks.

Featured Image Photo Credit: OCTOBER 10: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (L) and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk talk to reporters with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken (R), Demo-2 flight test crew members, near the Crew Dragon clean room at SpaceX Headquarters on October 10, 2019 in Hawthorne, California. Both men reiterated their shared goals of launching NASA astronauts to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule as soon as safely possible, according to published reports. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)