SpaceX has delayed the anticipated launch of its Starship rocket due to an engine malfunction that emerged just before takeoff. The planned launch from the company’s Starbase facility in Texas was interrupted when several engines failed to ignite, triggering an automatic abort system. As a result, SpaceX initiated the process of unloading fuel from the rocket.
The company aims to attempt another launch within the coming days as engineers work to identify and resolve the engine issue. Starship is a pivotal part of Elon Musk’s vision to expand the Starlink satellite network, develop infrastructure in space, and ultimately facilitate human missions to the Moon and Mars.
This mission was intended to be the rocket’s first major test flight following SpaceX’s recent public offering. The delay impacted the company’s stock, which saw a decline of over 6 percent in early trading after the announcement.
SpaceX has invested upwards of $15 billion in developing Starship, which is designed for full reusability. Additionally, the company is collaborating with NASA under contracts to use Starship for future lunar missions. However, several technical milestones remain before astronauts can safely travel aboard the spacecraft.