SpaceX delays launch for classified US gov't payload
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-05-01 16:33
LOS ANGELES -- US space firm SpaceX has pushed back its first launch of a US military satellite after a "sensor issue" with the rocket triggered a 24-hour delay on Sunday.
"Standing down today due to a sensor issue; backup launch opportunity tomorrow morning," the California-based company tweeted.
A Falcon 9 rocket was less than 60 seconds away from liftoff on Sunday when the issue triggered a hold.
Liftoff, which is now targeted on Monday between 7 and 9 a.m. EDT (1100 and 1300 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Following stage separation, the first-stage booster will attempt to land at SpaceX' s Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
The mission, which is being referred to as NROL-76, will carry a classified payload designed, built and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office.
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