SpaceX’s rocket with an unmanned Dragon cargo ship blasted off for the International Space Station Tuesday, carrying 2,000 kilograms of food, science experiments, equipment and the first espresso maker bound for orbit.

But the company’s third attempt to land the first-stage booster on an ocean platform failed.

SpaceX chief Elon Musk wrote via Twitter that the booster rocket landed on the platform but then tipped over.  He wants to reuse the booster rockets rather than discard them as is the custom around the world, to reduce launch costs.

The first try, in January, ended in flames when the rocket crash-landed and disintegrated. An attempt in February was scrubbed because of rough seas.

The specially designed espresso machine is for Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who has been stuck with American instant coffee since late last year.

SpaceX is one of two companies hired by NASA to fly cargo to the Space Station following the retirement of the space shuttle.
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