SpaceX launched a load of supplies to the International Space Station following power delays.
A Falcon rocket raced into the pre-dawn darkness carrying a Dragon capsule 2500 kg of goods. The recycled capsule - which is making its second space trip - is due to arrive at the orbiting lab Monday.
The delivery is a few days late due to electrical power shortages that first arose at the space station, then at SpaceX's rocket-landing platform in the Atlantic.
Both problems were quickly resolved with equipment replacements: a power-switching unit in orbit and a generator at sea.
Minutes after lift-off, SpaceX landed its brand new, first-stage booster on the ocean platform a mere 22km offshore, considerably closer than usual with the sonic booms easily heard at the launch site.
SpaceX couldn't resist a Star Wars Day reference when launching the rocket on May 4.
"Dragon is now officially on the way to the space station," the SpaceX launch commentator announced once the capsule reached orbit and its solar wings unfurled. "Until next time, may the fourth be with you."
SpaceX has been restocking the station since 2012.
This latest Dragon cargo capsule - making the company's 17th shipment - is carrying equipment and experiments for the six space station astronauts, including an instrument to monitor carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere.
The California-based company is also under contract with NASA, along with Boeing, to transport astronauts to the space station.
It's unclear whether these commercial crew flights will begin this year, given a recent Dragon accident and Boeing's own delays with its Starliner capsule.
Astronauts have not launched from Cape Canaveral since the last space shuttle mission in 2011, instead riding Russian rockets at a steep cost to NASA.
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