The Orbital ATK Cygnus blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 4:44 p.m. Dec. 6. The spacecraft is now on its way to the International Space Station, the first such trip in approximately 18 months. The Cygnus is carrying more than 7,000 pounds of cargo.

"ISS, Santa is on his way," ULA CEO Tory Bruno said, reports Florida Today.

"There's a lot of people waiting for Christmas presents up there. And to our NASA customer, here we come. Be ready," added Frank Culbertson, head of Orbital ATK's Space Systems Group, in congratulatory remarks to the launch team.

The launch team has been awaiting a favorable weather window over the past three days to launch the mission.

2015 has been a difficult year for the mission. NASA contracted two private companies to replenish the ISS, Orbital and SpaceX, but their rockets are grounded. Orbital's previous run had ended in an explosion immediately after take-off in October 2014. SpaceX, suffered a launch failure in June. For this mission, Orbital ATK bought another company's rocket, the Atlas V. Russia also lost a supply ship earlier this year, reports WFTV9.

"It is our future," said Space station program manager Kirk Shireman, while acknowledging the difficulties in sustaining a space mission, reports Investment Underground.

 

"Caught something good on the horizon", said a relieved Space Station Commander Scott Kelly reports Investment Underground.

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