Satellite

US-based SpaceX has aborted the launch of a SES-9 commercial communications satellite aboard its Falcon 9 rocket immediately before lift-off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, marking the third delay since last week.

The vehicle had already ignited its engines and was all set to launch.

SpaceX is attempting to launch the satellite for Luxembourg-based operator SES and plans a fourth attempt soon.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that the sudden delay occurred due to fuel problem as a ship ventured into the waters off Cape Canaveral.

USA Today quoted SpaceX engineer John Insprucker saying: "The engineering team has a chance to determine what changes, if any, they need to make before we proceed into another launch countdown."

"The engineering team has a chance to determine what changes, if any, they need to make before we proceed into another launch countdown."

The first two attempts to launch the vehicle were cancelled after the company faced a problem keeping the rocket’s liquid oxygen supply chilled to near its freezing point.

The latest launch aims to propel the Boeing-built SES-9 satellite, which weighs 5,721kg.

SES-9 is expected to reach a geostationary orbit, more than 35,000km above Earth.

The satellite will be positioned at the orbital slot of 108.2° E and provide incremental, as well as replacement capacity to the slot over Asia.

It is set to expand SES’s capability to provide DTH broadcasting and other communications services in north-east Asia, South Asia and Indonesia.

Image: SES-9 commercial communications satellite. Photo: courtesy of SES.