Rocket Launch Aborted

SpaceX has aborted yet another rocket launch after rising oxygen temperatures were detected aboard the spacecraft.

16:51 01 March 2016

Elon Musk’s SpaceX had to abort another rocket launch just seconds before lift-off after a “helium bubble” and rising oxygen temperatures were detected aboard the spacecraft. This is its third failed attempt in a week.

 

The Falcon 9 rocket had ignited its engine and was preparing to push away from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida when on-board computers called the abort on Sunday night.

 

On Wednesday, the first launch attempt did not push through as the staff wanted to make sure that liquid oxygen temperatures are as cold as possible to maximise performance. Meanwhile, the second launch that was scheduled on Thursday was canceled because of a technical difficulty.

 

Christ Hadfield, a former space station commander, took to Twitter where he wrote: “Better to abort the launch just before, than during. Good luck with the troubleshooting, @SpaceX. Thanks for pushing the envelope.”

 

It is expected that another launch date will be scheduled later this week.

 

SpaceX has previously admitted that it does not expect a successful landing but is trying to perfect its technique of recycling rocket parts to make spaceflight cheaper and more sustainable.