The SpaceX Crew-6 mission was set for launch Monday morning at the Kennedy Space Center, but controllers scrubbed the scheduled launch with moments to go due to “a ground systems issue.”
The crew of four astronauts were safely evacuated from the crew capsule, NASA said. The rocket and the spacecraft are both in a “safe” configuration after having the rocket’s propellant removed.
“I’m proud of the NASA and SpaceX teams’ focus and dedication to keeping Crew-6 safe,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Human spaceflight is an inherently risky endeavor and, as always, we will fly when we are ready.”
NASA engages kids in STEM through national competition
The NASA TechRise Student Challenge selected 60 groups of middle and high schoolers to participate in a high-altitude balloon science experiment.
The crew’s next opportunity for liftoff will come Thursday morning. The mission is part of a joint venture between NASA and SpaceX to send astronauts to the International Space Station.
NASA said Crew-6 is scheduled to stay on the International Space Station for up to six months. They are scheduled to conduct more than 200 experiments while on board.
“Experiments include studies of how particular materials burn in microgravity, tissue chip research on heart, brain, and cartilage functions, and an investigation that will collect microbial samples from the outside of the International Space Station,” NASA said.
