SpaceX has taken another big step toward its mission to the International Space Station, set for this weekend.
Tuesday, space station managers gave their final approval for the company's Dragon capsule to dock with the orbiting outpost.
The capsule is scheduled to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early Saturday morning, at 4:55 a.m.
SpaceX is shooting to become the first private company to dock at the International Space Station.
The Dragon capsule is filled with cargo to be delivered to the crew aboard the ISS. The 1,200 pounds of cargo includes 162 meals, a collection of student experiments, crew clothing, batteries and other items. With NASA's guidance, the rocket will dock with the space station, and the crew there will open the hatch to offload the supplies.
Along the way, SpaceX will also test its systems for future missions, including a flyby within 1½ miles to check sensors for a safe docking, and also aborting a berth with the station as part of the test.
Before the Dragon is sent back to Earth, it will be filed with 1,400 pounds of used scientific and spacewalking gear.
SpaceX has a contract for a dozen trips to the ISS. The company already made history in 2010, when it became the first commercial outfit to launch a spacecraft into orbit and return it safely.
The company relented, however, that this upcoming launch is a test flight, and a successful mission is not guaranteed.