SpaceX Falcon 9 launches (9 images)

This NASA photo released on May 22, 2012 shows the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon capsule, lifting off from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, there will be a series of check-out procedures to test and prove Dragon's systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. UPI/Alan Ault/NASA

Spacex's Falcon 9 rocket launches the Dragon spacecraft at 3:44 AM from Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 22, 2012. Launched for NASA, Dragon will be the first privately owned vehicle to fly to the International Space Station as part of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program. After the spacecraft performs a series of maneuvers to assure its readiness, the Station's robotic arm will grapple the spacecraft and berth it to the outpost. On this mission, Dragon will deliver over 1,000 pounds of cargo and experiments to the station. .UPI/Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell

Spacex's Falcon 9 rocket launches the Dragon spacecraft at 3:44 AM from Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 22, 2012. Launched for NASA, Dragon will be the first privately owned vehicle to fly to the International Space Station as part of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program. After the spacecraft performs a series of maneuvers to assure its readiness, the Station's robotic arm will grapple the spacecraft and berth it to the outpost. On this mission, Dragon will deliver over 1,000 pounds of cargo and experiments to the station. .UPI/Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell

Spacex's Falcon 9 rocket launches the Dragon spacecraft at 3:44 AM from Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 22, 2012. Launched for NASA, Dragon will be the first privately owned vehicle to fly to the International Space Station as part of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program. After the spacecraft performs a series of maneuvers to assure its readiness, the Station's robotic arm will grapple the spacecraft and berth it to the outpost. On this mission, Dragon will deliver over 1,000 pounds of cargo and experiments to the station. .UPI/Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell