Elon Musk's SpaceX aborts launch with minutes to spare to 're-examine whole rocket'
SpaceX has aborted the launch of the latest batch of its Starlink internet satellites.
The failed launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida comes just four days after the 14th batch of Starlink satellites were successfully deployed.
Such a rapid launch schedule is made possible by SpaceX’s pioneering Falco9 9 rockets, which are capable of landing after lift-off so they can be reused at a later date.
“Standing down from today's launch of Starlink to allow additional time for mission assurance work,” SpaceX tweeted.
“Will announce next launch opportunity once confirmed on the Range.”
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk added: “Just a small-seeming issue with loss of upper stage camera. Probably nothing serious, but standing down to re-examine whole vehicle just in case.”
Thursday’s launch would have taken the total number of Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit to over 850.
More to follow.
