SpaceX, the privately-held space exploration company founded by Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, scrubbed the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket three times over the weekend.
Reuters reported this week that the trouble began Friday morning, when the rocket carrying six communications satellites was set to take off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Friday's snag was a technical one, discovered just minutes before the expected launch. Engineers from SpaceX reportedly encountered unexpected pressure readings and a helium leak in the second-stage engine. The takeoff was canceled and rescheduled for the next day.
Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll
On Saturday, the launch was again delayed, with SpaceX announcing on its website, "Today's Orbcomm launch attempt has been scrubbed due to weather." The launch was again pushed back, this time to Sunday at 5:30 p.m. EDT.
CBS News then reported on Sunday that the launch would not take place due to unspecified technical problems. SpaceX said the earliest it would reschedule for was Tuesday.
"Today's ORBCOMM launch attempt has been scrubbed to address a potential concern identified during pre-flight checks. The vehicle and payload are in good condition, and engineering teams will take the extra time to ensure the highest possible level of mission assurance prior to flight," the company said in a statement.
When the rocket does launch, a live video feed of the launch will be broadcast on the company's website at
SpaceX.com.
Urgent: Assess Your Heart Attack Risk in Minutes. Click Here.