Space Station Rocket Launch 'A Success'

A company contracted by US space agency Nasa to deliver supplies to the International Space Station has launched its first test rocket.

High winds forced Orbital Sciences Corporation to scrap the launch of the unmanned Antares rocket from Virginia on Saturday, but a new attempt was made on Sunday.

It blasted off from Wallops Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

About 10 minutes after the launch, Orbital Sciences declared the test a success after observing a practice payload reach orbit and safely separate from the rocket.

Nasa administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement: "Congratulations to Orbital Sciences and the Nasa team that worked alongside them for the picture-perfect launch of the Antares rocket.

"In addition to providing further evidence that our strategic space exploration plan is moving forward, this test also inaugurates America's newest spaceport capable of launching to the space station, opening up additional opportunities for commercial and government users."

The Antares rocket, which is an expendable launch system, is designed to put payloads weighing up to 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) into low-Earth orbit.

Orbital intends to use the Antares to launch its Cygnus spacecraft on the ISS resupply missions.

The Antares rocket was known during early development as the Taurus II, but was renamed in 2011 after the star of the same name.

Orbital now plans to launch another Antares carrying a Cygnus spacecraft in June.

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Space Station Rocket Launch 'A Success'