SpaceX calls off 1st launch attempt of giant new rocket

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

1 year ago

A man walks past the site where SpaceX's Starship, the world's biggest and most powerful rocket ... — A man walks past the site where SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket, sits ready for launch in Boca Chica, Texas, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Onlookers watch as SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket, stands ready for launch in Boca Chica, Texas, Sunday, April 16, 2023. The test launch is scheduled for Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

This undated photo provided by SpaceX shows the company’s Starship rocket at the launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. (SpaceX via AP)

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — SpaceX called off its first launch attempt of its giant rocket on Monday.

Elon Musk and his company had planned to launch the nearly 400-foot Starship rocket from the southern tip of Texas, near the Mexican border. SpaceX postponed the launch because of a problem with the first-stage booster.

No people or satellites were aboard for this attempt. There won’t be another try until at least Wednesday.

The company plans to use Starship to send astronauts and cargo to the moon and, ultimately, Mars.

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