A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off successfully Friday, but experienced a thruster problem that could be harmful or even deadly.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. on Friday launched its third unmanned commercial mission to the international space station, carrying 1,200 pounds of cargo.

A problem occurred while in orbit, three of the four thrusters weren't working.

"We are trying to bring up the remaining three," a statement from the Space Exploration Technologies Corp said who launched the rocket. "We did go ahead and get the solar arrays deployed. Once we get at least two pods running, we will begin a series of burns to get to station."

Space X said it experienced a problem with a propellant valve after reaching orbit, and that only one of four Draco thruster pods was functioning.

These thrusters are used to carry food and science materials to the six astronauts on board.

According to online.wjs.com, if the SpaceX can't regain enough control of the propulsion system to properly maneuver the 12-foot diameter spacecraft, Dragon (thruster) could be crippled, start tumbling and even plummet back into the atmosphere.

Efforts are being made to improve the situation and are said to be in the right direction of solving the problem. Space X said they're working on even sending another thruster to the rocket.

USA Today reported that the mission began with a successful launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:10 a.m. EST Friday. After separating from the rocket, the Dragon's two solar array wings were supposed to unfold about 11 minutes into the flight. That's when SpaceX first reported a problem from its mission control center in Hawthorne, Calif.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted that this rocket is the first of its kind designed with an engine-out capability in case something goes wrong.

"I want to point out that this vehicle has been designed to accommodate an engine out, and though you never necessarily want to see it happen, it's nice that we've demonstrated the vehicle (operates) as it was designed."

This was proven last October during a launch in which a launch by Space X had an engine issue, but was able to continue a successful mission.

"As a matter of fact, I have to tell you that I think the industry and the public was dramatically impressed by the fact that we had an engine issue, an engine shutdown, and still made mission," SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said Thursday.