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SpaceX Dragon spacecraft resupply mission launched to the International Space Station

Posted at 9:12 AM, Aug 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-14 12:54:37-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) --  A SpaceX capsule is rocketing to the International Space Station -- carrying a few tons of research, plus ice cream.

SpaceX launched its unmanned Falcon 9 rocket Monday from Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Experiments make up most of the 6,400 pounds of cargo. That includes 20 mice.

The Dragon -- due at the station Wednesday -- is also doubling as an ice cream truck this time. There was extra freezer space, so NASA packed little 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, who has been in orbit since November.