SpaceX to attempt space station launch Monday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Showers and clouds could pose a challenge Monday afternoon during SpaceX's attempt to launch its next International Space Station resupply mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

There's a 60% chance of favorable weather for the instantaneous window at 4:33 p.m. at Launch Complex 40, according to the Air Force's 45th Weather Squadron.

SpaceX will try to launch a 208-foot Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft packed with more than 4,300 pounds of food, equipment and experiments for the station's six-person crew.

The mission is SpaceX's sixth under a NASA Commercial Resupply Services contract originally valued at $1.6 billion for 12 flights, but which has had several missions added.

A Monday launch would put the Dragon on course to reach the station early Wednesday. If the launch slips to Tuesday, there's a 70% chance of favorable weather then.

Within 10 minutes of liftoff, SpaceX will attempt to land its Falcon 9 booster on an ocean-going platform it calls the "autonomous spaceport drone ship," part of tests aimed at developing a reusable rocket.