SpaceX Cancels Rocket Launch One Minute Before Liftoff

The launch of the Falcon Heavy heavy-lift rocket for the ViaSat 3 Americas mission, which could have set a new record for consecutive launches by American company SpaceX, has been canceled just one minute before liftoff.

SpaceX was conducting a live broadcast when the launch director halted the countdown at the 59-second mark. The reason for the cancellation has not yet been disclosed. According to Spaceflight Now, a new launch attempt could occur only a few days later.

About an hour prior, SpaceX successfully carried out the launch of Falcon 9 with O3b mPOWER satellites. The goal of the ViaSat 3 Americas mission was to provide internet access in rural areas, on passenger aircraft, and at sea. Should Falcon Heavy have launched successfully, both orbital missions would have set a record for SpaceX with such a short 'window.' Moreover, the U.S. has not conducted similar 'parallel' launches from Cape Canaveral since 1966.

SpaceX first achieved two launches in a single day in 2021 with a 15-hour interval. In March 2023, two launches were successfully conducted about four hours apart.