Rocket launch called off
The launch of an Antares rocket from Virginia was called off yesterday due to a technical issue.
The rocket had been expected to be visible from Bermuda as it soared into the sky.
The scrubbing of the launch came just 12 minutes before the opening of the launch window at 6pm Bermuda time from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Orbital Sciences, a commercial company, said a umbilical line came loose from the second stage of the rocket.
There was no announcement on when a second attempt would be made, but reports suggested that it would be within one to two days.
The 10-minute test launch of a dummy payload into orbit is being performed under NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services programme, or COTS.
Under the programme, Virginia-based Orbital is developing the Antares and Cygnus cargo craft to resupply the International Space Station.
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