SpaceX Successfully Sends Cargo to Space Station, Clinches Landing

HAWTHORNE, CA - SpaceXhas notched another successful launch using its Falcon 9 rocket.

The Hawthorne-based company announced Monday that its Falcon 9 delivered critical cargo into orbit on its way to the International Space Station, then landed the first stage of the rocket back at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Landing Zone 1 in Florida.

This is the second such feat for the company. SpaceX first landed a first-stage booster at Landing Zone 1 in December.

Today's launch is part of the ninth NASA Commercial Resupply Services mission undertaken by SpaceX.

SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The company designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.

— City News Service, photo courtesy of SpaceX