SpaceX successfully launches space station groceries, espresso maker

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL -- SpaceX has launched a shipment of groceries to the International Space Station, including the first espresso maker bound for orbit.

The unmanned rocket blasted off Tuesday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The space station was soaring above Australia, at liftoff time.

Dragon, the SpaceX supply ship, holds more than 4,000 pounds of food, experiments and equipment for the six station astronauts. The delivery should arrive Friday.

The specially designed espresso machine is for Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. She's been stuck with American instant coffee since fall. The Italians in charge of the project hope to revolutionize coffee-drinking in space.

SpaceX, meanwhile, hopes to transform the rocket business by landing a leftover booster on an ocean platform. This will be the third try.

Monday's launch attempt was foiled by weather.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

SpaceX faces stormy skies for the second day in a row as it tries to launch a shipment of space station groceries.

The unmanned rocket is set to blast off at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Forecasters put the weather odds at 60 percent.

The SpaceX capsule holds more than 4,000 pounds of supplies ordered up by NASA for the International Space Station, much of it food.

Italy is sending up a special espresso machine for Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who's been stuck with American instant coffee since fall. The Italians in charge of the project hope to revolutionize coffee-drinking in space.

SpaceX, meanwhile, hopes to transform the rocket business by landing a leftover booster on an ocean platform. This will be the third try.