Watch the Falcon 9 launch from pad 39A

A Japanese H-2B rocket fired into orbit Tuesday from the Tanegashima Space Center with an automated cargo freighter loaded with more than 4.1 tons of batteries, experiments, spacewalk equipment, water and provisions for the International Space Station.

The accomplishment came during Wednesday’s flight of the Starlink 10-56 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The touchdown was also SpaceX’s 494th overall successful booster landing.

Maritime and aviation warning suggest a launch no earlier than Jan. 10, but SpaceX hasn’t formally announced its target launch date. Flight 7 will also feature the first launch of a Block 2 Starship upper stage.