SpaceX launch latest: Elon Musk’s SpaceX postpones Starship rocket launch

Elon Musk has halted the launch of the world’s largest rocket, Starship, after a technical issue forced the billionaire to push back the mission by 48 hours.

SpaceX’s super heavy rocket had been due to take off at 2.20pm UK time, however engineers called a halt to the countdown clock 40 seconds before the launch. 

The 390ft rocket, designed to one day carry humans to the Moon and Mars for Nasa, will remain on the launch pad at the billionaire’s SpaceX spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas. 

Mr Musk said: “A pressurant valve appears to be frozen, so unless it starts operating soon, no launch today.”

John Insprucker, SpaceX’s principal engineer, said “The decision right now is that we are going to stop the launch for today.” Mr Insprucker said the rocket’s team had identified a pressurisation issue while fuelling the giant launch vehicle. 

Kate Tice, a SpaceX engineering manager, said: “We are expecting a Minimum of 48 hours to recycle. We unfortunately had a hold on the countdown today.”