The launch of the SpaceX next-gen rocket, whose main goal was to carry Bangladesh’s first high-orbit communications satellite Bangabandhu-1 into space, has been postponed for at least 24 hours.
The rocket’s onboard computers halted the countdown about one minute before the Block-5 edition of the Falcon 9 was set to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its maiden mission.
However, the precise reason for Thursday’s automatic shutdown of the final launch sequence was not determined, reports Reuters.
Also Read- How will the satellite benefit Bangladesh?
“Standing down today due to a standard ground system auto abort at T-1 min,” SpaceX tweeted.
“Rocket and payload are in good health—teams are working towards tomorrow’s backup launch opportunity at 4:14 p.m. EDT, or 20:14 UTC.”
They will have slightly more than a two-hour window for the next launch opportunity at Cape Canaveral on Friday, opening at 4:14pm (2014 GMT) and ending at 6:21pm.
Standing down today due to a standard ground system auto abort at T-1 min. Rocket and payload are in good health—teams are working towards tomorrow’s backup launch opportunity at 4:14 p.m. EDT, or 20:14 UTC.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) 10 mai 2018
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy said in a Facebook post that the launch was aborted “just 42 seconds” before liftoff.
“The final minutes of the launch are fully controlled by computers. If the computer finds any measurement is out of normal it aborts the launch,” he wrote in his official Facebook page.
“SpaceX will check everything and attempt the launch again tomorrow at the same time. This is quite normal for rocket launches as you cannot take any risk.”
The launching of Bangabandhu-1 will be a milestone for Bangladesh, including the country in the group of selected nations with their own satellites.
Once operational, the satellite will help provide improved internet connection to remote areas. It will also benefit the defence sector and weather department. The satellite will help maintain communications during natural disasters if telecommunication fails.
It is also a potential source of revenue. Bangladesh’s spends around $14 million every year for satellite connectivity. That expense will no longer be necessary. On the other hand, Bangladesh can earn millions of dollars by renting the satellite.
The project cost a total of Tk2,970 crore.
