SpaceX founder says the launch will prove to be a turning point for space exploration . The unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral , Florida , at 3:44 a.m. , carrying 1,300 pounds of food , clothing and scientific experiments on a demonstration mission to gauge the company 's ability to safely and efficiently deliver supplies to astronauts staffing the orbiting station . ` ` The excitement of this day should not be overstated , '' the director says . The rocket carrying a crew capsule lifts off successfully early Tuesday . The launch is the first private mission launched for the International Space Station .
SpaceX founder says the launch will prove to be a turning point for space exploration . ` ` The excitement of this day should not be overstated , '' the director says . The rocket carrying a crew capsule lifts off successfully early Tuesday . The launch is the first private mission launched for the International Space Station .