Last-minute problem keeps SpaceX rocket, astronauts grounded

By MARCIA DUNN
AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Last-minute technical trouble forced SpaceX to call off an attempt to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA. The countdown was halted Monday with just two minutes remaining until liftoff from Florida. SpaceX delayed the launch until at least Thursday. The problem involved the engine ignition system. Strapped into the capsule atop the Falcon rocket were two NASA astronauts, one Russian cosmonaut and one astronaut from the United Arab Emirates. Officials said the problem involved ground equipment used for loading the engine ignition fluid. The launch team could not be sure there was a full load. A SpaceX engineer likened this critical system to spark plugs for a car.