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SpaceX launch aborted: 10th Starlink mission cancelled to 'allow more time for checkouts'

SpaceX is attempting the tenth launch of its Starlink internet satellite project: SpaceX
SpaceX is attempting the tenth launch of its Starlink internet satellite project: SpaceX

SpaceX has once again stood down from its 10th Starlink mission to deliver internet satellites into orbit.

Lift-off was scheduled for 10.54am local time (3.54pm BST) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, with weather looking favourable before it was cancelled.

"Standing down from today's launch of the tenth Starlink mission to allow more time for checkouts," SpaceX tweeted just over an hour before the launch time.

"Team is working to identify the next launch opportunity. Will announce a new target date once confirmed with the Range."

The launch would have brought the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit close to 600.

SpaceX boss Elon Musk ultimately hopes to create a 12,000-strong constellation in order to beam high-speed internet back down to Earth.

The launch was initially scheduled for 26 June but was delayed by 12 days as SpaceX said its team "needed additional time for pre-launch checkouts".

A second launch attempt on 8 July was scrubbed due to poor weather.

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