Private rocket launch delayed after hitch

UNITED STATES: The launch of a privately owned Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida was delayed yesterday when a computer detected a possible problem with one of the engines.

The preparations for Space Exploration Technologies’ trial cargo run to the International Space Station proceeded as planned until 4.55am (9.55am British time), when an onboard computer then scrubbed the launch of the unmanned spacecraft.

The cause was reported as a high-pressure reading in one of the engine’s chambers.

The next possible launch is early on Tuesday.