SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket for ISS resupply mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Monday afternoon as part of the company's 12th resupply mission to the International Space Station.

The rocket blasted off from launch pad 39-A at 12:31 p.m.

The rocket boosted a Dragon spacecraft filled with almost 6,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS.

The payload includes crucial materials to support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during the next ISS missions, NASA officials said.

Spectators gathered to witness the rocket launch and recovery, including the family of Chris Duke, who booked his trip to see the launch last year.

"You can see the thing on TV, but it's not like being there in the flesh," said Duke.

The Falcon 9 rocket landed at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a sonic boom that could be heard as far away as Orange County.

"They've been pretty loud in the past. It just really depends on when the wind is blowing," Brevard County resident Ozzie Osband said.

>>> Download the free WFTV weather app <<<

Brevard County Elizabeth Hobbs said the sound can be both heard and felt.

"It just rattles the house," she said.

NASA said the supplies should reach the ISS Wednesday.

Cox Media Group