SpaceX Aborts Falcon Rocket Launch, Next Possible Attempt To ISS Set For Friday Morning

SpaceX canceled the planned launch of its Falcon rocket to the International Space Station on Tuesday due to a technical glitch.

SpaceX’s fifth commercial resupply mission, which was supposed to blast off at 6:20 a.m. EST, was called off just over a minute before the scheduled launch after the rocket’s motors -- needed for the second stage of the launch -- failed to perform as expected.

“SpaceX is evaluating the issue and will determine the next opportunity to launch the company’s fifth commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. The next available opportunity to launch to the station would be Friday, Jan. 9,” NASA said in a blog post, adding that the issue would need to be resolved before Friday’s launch attempt.

The Dragon capsule on board the rocket contained more than 5,200 pounds of supplies and payload, including critical materials to support 256 science and research investigations planned for Expeditions 42 and 43. After spending four-and-a-half weeks in space, the capsule was supposed to splash down off the coast of southern California.