SpaceX Launch Aborted At Last Second

SpaceX was set to make history this morning with its launch to the International Space Station, but a mechanical error in one of the engines automatically aborted the mission a half second before the launch.

The LA Times reports that a technical problem occurred on the ship as the launch countdown reached T-0.

Musk tweeted:

“Launch aborted: slightly high combustion chamber pressure on engine 5. Will adjust limits for countdown in a few days.”

Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president, said that SpaceX would try to launch again later this week.

Shotwell said:

“This is not a failure. It would be a failure if we were to have lifted off with an engine trending in this direction.”

SpaceX hopes to have the engine repaired in time to launch on May 22nd.

The NY Daily News reports that after the launch, the Dragon Capsule will dock with the International Space Station where it will deliver 1,000 pounds of food and equipment before returning to earth.

The Falcon 9 rocket is also carrying another delivery. The created remains of astronaut Gordon Cooper, actor James Doohan, who played Scotty on “Star Trek,” and 300 other people will be dumped into space.

SpaceX was the first private company to send a spacecraft into orbit and this Tuesday, the company is hoping to fulfill its dream of becoming the first commercial company to deliver goods to the International Space Station.