The SpaceX company's Dragon cargo capsule is expected to join up with the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming hours. NASA has cleared the unmanned vehicle to move in close to the orbiting platform after a successful series of demonstrations yesterday.

This is the first time a private company has launched a cargo ship to the space station, beginning a new phase in the U.S. space programme. Dragon carries half a tonne of food and spares for the 400 km-high laboratory. Astronauts onboard the station will try to grab the ship with a robotic arm once it gets within reach. The crewmen will then berth the vessel to a free port on the underside of the platform. 
Dragon was launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Tuesday.

An American firm is to become the first private company to send a supply craft to the international space station.

An unmanned capsule made by SpaceX company will be launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida carrying half a tonne of food and equipment to the station. 

It will be the first time the private sector has provided such a service. The task is usually performed by the vehicles belonging to government space agencies.