Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch fails to get off the ground yesterday due to bad weather and ‘too much electricity in the atmosphere.’

There was huge anticipation across the globe yesterday as Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch with NASA was delayed just before take-off due to bad weather. The launch at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida, was all set to go with millions watching via a live stream on YouTube.

However, just before launch, NASA chiefs decided to abort as they said rain and thunderstorms were looming. It was reported that NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine commented that the decision was made because there was:

“simply too much electricity in the atmosphere.”

There were concerns that the launch could have triggered lightning from the incoming storms, although at the time there wasn’t any lightning. NASA explained that weather conditions have to be perfect for launch, and that’s not just at the launchpad but also in the numerous abort locations that stretch up the eastern seaboard.

This news comes after Elon Musk and Tom Cruise are said to be taking filming to another level, as hints to a movie in space emerge.

It was reported that Tropical Storm Bertha has been causing issues with high winds over South Carolina on Wednesday. However, there were several thunder and lightening storms over Cape Canaveral during the day that led to the decision to abort.

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken, who is part of the two-person crew going up to the Space Station, said:

“We understand that everybody’s a little bummed out.”

He also added that it’s just a part of the deal, but everyone was ready, and the ship looked great.

Although, you don’t have to wait too long to potentially catch a glimpse of the test flight. It has been moved to Saturday at 8.22pm UK time, and it could be visible for three to four minutes shortly after launch if the skies are cloud-free.

Canadian astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield has shared his guide to self isolation, after spending so much time isolated on the International Space Station.

Mr. Bridenstine said it was a great day for NASA and SpaceX and that they had worked together in an impressive way. He mentioned that the launch would be set for Saturday and was proud that they were going “to launch American astronauts on an American rocket from American soil.”

The president attended the launch with vice-president Mike Pence, and it was reported he left the location without talking to reporters. However, despite the failed launch, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to thank NASA and SpaceX for their hard work and leadership. He also said he looked forward to being back with them on Saturday.

This launch is the first crewed flight from US soil since 2011. Plus, the first flight with crew on a private ship.

A big performance

Live coverage of the launch was being streamed on NASA Television, the website and other streaming platforms. The planned coverage also included a performance by Kelly Clarkson, and most of the press coverage would be made via remote link due to the current pandemic restrictions.

Despite coronavirus, large crowds gathered on Max Brew Bridge wanting to catch a glimpse of the launch. Speaking to a US news outlet, one spectator said, “We prepared ourselves (for the scrub), we knew it was a possibility, and we’ll be back on Saturday.”