HARLINGEN, Texas (KVEO)—Space X announced around 11 a.m. the launch was canceled due to the Federal Aviation Administration.
It is not clear why SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration called off the attempt, as engineers and technicians had been preparing the vehicle for a launch. Local residents were also evacuated
After the FAA said Thursday’s launch was canceled, SpaceX founder Elon Musk replied with an unhappy tweet.
According to SpaceX, the goal is to fly the prototype to about 12.5km, and reorient the Starship so that it makes a vertical landing.
SpaceX issued evacuation notices to Boca Chica residents at 8 a.m. The launch was set for Monday Jan. 25 but was postponed.
UPDATE: SpaceX to launch Starship SN9 prototype
In December, the last Starship prototype, made a fiery landing. The Starship was running all three raptor engines to reach a height of more than 41,000 feet.
SpaceX Starship SN8 prototype explodes upon landing
The craft did a belly flop maneuver and then corrected itself. The prototype came in for a landing at an angle before exploding.
For updates watch the live feed below:
Credit: NASASpaceflight
