SpaceX encore: 2nd private space station shipment

[October 05, 2012]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- A private company is headed back to the International Space Station.

On Sunday night, SpaceX will attempt to launch another Dragon capsule full of food, clothes and science experiments for the astronauts at the space station. The company hopes to repeat the success of its test flight in May.

Rainy weather could keep the company's Falcon rocket grounded. Forecasters said Thursday there's a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions for the 8:35 p.m. launch from Cape Canaveral.

This is the California company's first official launch under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA. The contract calls for 12 deliveries.

NASA is counting on private business to help keep the space station stocked, now that the shuttles are retired.

SpaceX is run by PayPal co-founder Elon Musk.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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