SpaceX launches ISS mission, lands rocket at Cape Canaveral

ORLANDO, FLA. — Against a crisp blue sky, SpaceX launched a resupply mission to the International Space Station shortly after noon Monday — and a sonic boom accompanying its re-entry foretold a successful landing at Cape Canaveral.

A Dragon spacecraft carrying cargo for NASA destined to reach the International Space Station departed Earth from Launch Complex 39A at 12:31 p.m. EDT.

The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage successfully detached and, about six minutes in, began a re-entry burn that lasted about 20 seconds before the 156-foot-tall vehicle landed vertically.

About 10 minutes in, the Dragon capsule detached from the rocket’s second stage to head toward ISS. About 13 minutes in, its solar arrays deployed as its propulsion system prepared to push the capsule toward the orbiting space station. SpaceX confirmed proper orbit and said ISS will capture the vehicle Wednesday.

SpaceX’s launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services Contract.

Experiments make up most of the 6,400 pounds of cargo. That includes 20 mice. The Dragon capsule is also doubling as an ice-cream truck this time. There was extra freezer space, so NASA packed cups of vanilla, chocolate and birthday-cake ice cream for the station’s crew of six, as well as ice cream candy bars. Those treats should be especially welcomed by U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, in orbit since November.