his week, a Space X capsule loaded with tons of supplies, scientific research materials and ice cream was launched to the International Space Station.
"It's a fantastic day and a startling launch," said Dan Hartman, deputy director of NASA's space station program . The capsule carries about 3 tons of cargo, scheduled for arrival at the orbital laboratory, on Wednesday.
The transferred cargo includes 20 mice that are scheduled to be returned within a month and are alive to Earth aboard a Dragon capsule.
Nasa
NASA mobilized and sent small cups of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, as well as a cake and a set of ice cream sweets.
The shipment of mice is part of the study of visual problems experienced by some male astronauts. Scientists will study pressure in mice 's eyes, as well as fluid movement in their brains.
Associated Press Photo
Michael Deleb, who is in charge of the experiment at the University of Florida, said 30 days for mice in space were equivalent to three years for humans there.
"The study may help explain why this vision problem does not exist in females, which can last long after the space flight," he said.
Associated Press Photo
The Dragon vehicle also carries equipment to measure cosmic rays from the space station, where three astronauts from America will pursue scientific research in orbit.
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It should be noted that this is the 13th shipment for Hawthorne, one of two private shippers NASA has employed for this purpose.
The SpaceX capsule is the only supply vehicle capable of returning material to the ground.
Last June, SpaceX launched its first ever re-used Dragon, the first re-launched rocket launched in March.
Boeing is working on its own capsule to transport astronauts to the international terminal.