SpaceX was forced to delay the launch of its first commercial communications satellite mission on Monday due to a technical glitch with the Falcon 9 rocket.
The rocket was scheduled to launch at 5:37 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
“We observed unexpected readings with the first stage liquid oxygen system so we decided to investigate,” SpaceX officials said in a statement. “The launch vehicle and satellite are in great shape and we are looking forward to the next launch opportunity on Thursday at 5:38 p.m. Eastern time (0038 Nov. 28 GMT).”
The launch will mark SpaceX’s first entry into the market of large commercial satellite launches.
The SES-8 communications satellite is operated by SES World Skies. At 6,918-pounds, the high-definition satellite destined for a transfer orbit that soars flies 183 miles above Earth at its nearest point and more than 49,709 miles at its highest.
When it finally goes into orbit, it will provide HD services to customers across South Asia and the Pacific.
