Rocket Lab aborts launch of 5 satellites at the last second

Science: Rocket Lab canceled the launch at the last minute yesterday (Sept. 18). The company’s Electron rocket was scheduled to launch five Internet of Things satellites from French company Kinesis from New Zealand at 7 p.m. (7 p.m. Japan time) today. When the countdown clock reached zero, the Electron started the first stage engine. However, operations soon halted and the launch was canceled. “Today’s mission requires an immediate launch, so we are withdrawing from further launch attempts today. The team is evaluating the next launch opportunity and will share more information here in the near future. Cancellation

Rocket Lab previously said the launch deadline would be extended by 14 days. Rocket Lab called the mission “Kinesis Kills Radiated Star.” This is the company’s second Kinesis launch, following the launch of five satellites on June 20.