<p><br /> A rocket developed by internet entrepreneur Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies has lifted off and reached orbit.<br /> </p><p><br /> Nasa is hoping the test flight will eventually lead to cargo runs to the International Space Station after its space shuttles are retired next year.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Nasa-backed mission is also intended to test a new capsule system aimed at eventually delivering a crew to the ISS.<br /> </p><p><br /> Space Exploration Technologies' Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, carrying the company's first Dragon capsule.<br /> </p><p><br /> Two more test flights are planned, though the company may decide to combine its remaining test flights and make a docking at the space station next summer.<br /> </p><p><br /> The California-based firm, created by the co-founder of PayPal, is one of two companies holding a combined $3.5 billion in Nasa contracts to deliver cargo to the space station after the space shuttles are retired.<br /> </p><p><br /> Nasa is also contributing a combined $500 million for SpaceX and Orbital Sciences to develop and test-fly their rockets and capsules.<br /> </p><p><br /> SpaceX intends to begin station deliveries by the end of 2011, with Elon Musk saying he could be launching station crews within three years of getting the go-ahead from Nasa.<br /> </p>
