A SpaceX rocket blasted off on Monday toward the International Space Station, carrying a load of supplies for the astronauts living in space, including equipment to enable future spaceships to park at the orbiting outpost.

"Falcon 9 is on its way," said a commentator at SpaceX mission control as the white rocket launched under a night sky from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:45 am local time.

Following the launch, the rocket separated, sending the Dragon cargo carrier to orbit.