WASHINGTON: The unmanned Dragon capsule from the private US firm SpaceX successfully reached the International Space Station on Sunday, its third trip carrying supplies and equipment to the orbiting lab.

Nasa television broadcast live images of the ISS's 17.6 meter long robotic arm as it grabbed hold of the gumdrop-shaped Dragon capsule at 4.45pm (IST).

"Capture complete, congratulations to the entire team," said the Japanese station commander, Koichi Wakata, who was in charge of operating the mechanical arm along with American Rick Mastracchio.

"We're excited," Wakata said, smiling. Both astronauts were dressed casually in polo shirts as they carried out the procedure.

SpaceX has a $1.6 billion contract with Nasa for a series of future supply missions.

This marks the California-based company's third commercial resupply mission and fourth visit to the ISS.

AFP