SpaceX launches used cargo rocket to International Space Station

Weather conditions create luminous plume effect from rocket’s exhaust fumes

SpaceX has successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

The early morning launch on Friday left from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and weather conditions created a luminous plume effect from the rocket’s exhaust fumes.

In a post-launch briefing, Nasa’s space station program manager, Kirk Shireman, said: “We had a beautiful morning. I was going to say breathtaking, but maybe 'awakening’ might be a better word.”

Jessica Jensen, SpaceX’s director of Dragon mission management, added: “These pre-sunrise or post-sunset launches give for a spectacular show in the sky… I like to refer to it as the space jellyfish that’s coming down after us. These are the best.”

The Falcon 9 was carrying the Dragon capsule, which was packed with nearly 3,000kg of cargo – including food, supplies and science experiments.

SpaceX said on Twitter that the Dragon capsule had successfully entered orbit and deployed its solar panels.

The capsule is expected to arrive at the ISS on Monday morning.