Rocket launch scrubbed due to motor controller issue

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket waiting for lift-off. PHOTO / SUPPLIED.

Rocket Lab's intended rocket launch from Mahia has suffered another delay.

A spokeswoman for the US-based orbital launch provider said today's launch was scrubbed for the day after the team identified an issue with a motor controller.

"The decision was made to scrub today's launch attempt in order to review the data ahead of another attempt.

"The Rocket Lab team is in the process of closing out pad operations for the day."

The call to scrub was made shortly after the Electron rocket was filled with liquid oxygen (LOX).

"It's standard practice to vent LOX throughout launch operations.

"As is standard procedure, emergency services are on standby during launch operations and were called closer to the launch site as a precautionary measure only.

"Electron is fueled by liquid oxygen and RP1 (kerosene)."

The payload for the launch includes (among others) IRVINE01, an educational payload from the Irvine CubeSat STEM Programme (ICSP), and NABEO, a drag sail technology demonstrator created to passively de-orbit inactive small satellites, designed and built by High Performance Space Structure Systems GmBH.

The payload also includes two Lemur-2 satellites from Spire Global and a GeoOptics Inc. satellite, built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems.

The Lemur-2 cubesats would be used to provide commercial ship-tracking and weather monitoring services.