Elon Musk's SpaceX Stops Falcon 9 Launch 11 Seconds Before Lift-Off

SpaceX aborted its Falcon 9 launch just 11 seconds before liftoff; the mission carrying SES internet satellites is now rescheduled for July 22.

File photo of SpaceX launching SES satellites via the Falcon 9.

Source : SpaceX

In a dramatic turn on Monday evening, SpaceX pulled the plug on a planned rocket launch just 11 seconds before liftoff, delaying the latest mission for Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES. The mission was set to send two O3b mPOWER satellites designed to boost global internet coverage into medium-Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Everything seemed to be on track for the 5:27 PM EDT (2127 GMT) launch from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. But then, an unexpected abort call stopped the countdown in its tracks.

Watch Falcon 9 launch the @SES_Satellites O3b mPOWER mission to orbit https://t.co/5Rer8s0IhW

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 21, 2025

While the available launch window stretched for another 90 minutes, SpaceX decided to stand down for the rest of the day. The company quickly updated followers with a brief message on X: "Standing down from today’s launch of the @SES_Satellites O3b mPOWER mission and now targeting July 22 for liftoff. Vehicle and payload remain healthy."

No specific reason for the late abort was shared publicly, although the company did mention that the weather was only "20% favourable" for liftoff.

Targeting two Falcon 9 launches tomorrow → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 22, 2025

Elon Musk-led SpaceX is now targeting Tuesday for the next launch attempt, with a revised window opening at 5:12 p.m. EDT (2112 GMT). The company plans to stream the event live on both its website and official X handle, kicking off roughly 15 minutes before liftoff.

The two satellites are part of SES’s O3b mPOWER constellation — an ambitious effort to expand high-speed connectivity around the world. So far, SpaceX has launched all eight satellites currently in orbit. Once completed, the full network will consist of 13 spacecraft, enabling the system to deliver scalable, low-latency broadband to remote regions and enterprise customers alike.

For now, though, all eyes are on Tuesday’s launch window, weather permitting and systems cooperating.