Cargo rocket launched to International Space Station

A ship full of supplies is en route to the International Space Station.

Orbital Sciences Corp. launched its unmanned Antares rocket from Wallops Island, Va., on Thursday after a series of delays. On board is a capsule packed with 3,000 pounds of equipment, as well as food and some ants for an educational project.

The spacecraft should reach the station Sunday.

The delivery had been delayed three times since December, most recently because of a strong solar storm. Engineers initially feared solar radiation might cause the rocket to veer off course. But additional reviews Wednesday deemed it acceptable. Previous delays were due to space station repairs and frigid temperatures. Thursday was a relatively balmy 45 degrees.

NASA is paying Orbital Sciences and the SpaceX company to restock the space station.