Science and TechSpace

Actions

SpaceX scrubs launch of Starship rocket

SpaceX delayed the launch of its Starship rocket on Monday. Elon Musk said there was an issue with a pressurant valve.
A man walks past the site where SpaceX's Starship, the world's biggest and most powerful rocket, sits ready for launch.
Posted

The world's most powerful rocket will not be launched into space Monday. 

SpaceX scrubbed Starship's launch just moments before takeoff. 

Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, warned prior to the anticipated launch that there could be a delay.

"A pressurant valve appears to be frozen, so unless it starts operating soon, no launch today," he tweeted.

It's unclear when exactly SpaceX will attempt to try the launch again. Musk said they will try again in "a few days." 

NASA's Orion capsule nearing the moon

NASA's Orion capsule buzzes moon, last big step before lunar orbit

NASA managers said they were delighted with the progress of the mission.

LEARN MORE

The nearly 400-foot-tall rocket, which will be launching from Texas' Gulf Coast, will not have any crew members or cargo this time around. According to The Associated Press, the first flight will last about 1 1/2 hours. 

Starship is billed as a "fully reusable transportation system." The hope is for it to eventually propel humans to the moon and even Mars.

"Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration interplanetary flights," SpaceX says. 

Crew of Artemis II

NASA names astronauts for Artemis II moon mission

The four-member crew of NASA's Artemis II mission, which will attempt to fly around the moon, includes three men and one woman.

LEARN MORE