An international crew of four astronauts launched toward the International Space Station from Florida on Friday aboard a SpaceX rocket, embarking on a routine NASA mission that could be the first of many to last a couple months longer than usual.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thick clouds prompted SpaceX to call off Thursday’s planned launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA. The countdown was halted at the one-minute, 7-second mark. SpaceX's next launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center is Friday, although the weather forecast is less favorable.