SpaceX aborts launch for Sunday

SpaceX rocket launch for Sunday evening has been scrubbed.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN WHY.

(SpaceX)
About the impending launch:

SpaceX's main mission for this launch is to transport the SES-9 communications satellite into orbit over Asia.

However, the more dramatic, secondary goal will be what happens about 10 minutes after lift-off.

That's when the rocket's first stage will turn around and use GPS tracking to guide itself onto SpaceX's floating ocean platform called "Of Course I Still Love You."

The platform will be floating about 400 miles off Florida's coast.

If SpaceX succeeds, it will be the first successful rocket landing on board an ocean platform in history.

This will be SpaceX fourth attempt at such a landing, and while the company has stated that it has low expectations of success, these rocket landings are a novelty of 21st century spaceflight and worth getting excited about.

If reusable rockets prove a viable method of spaceflight, it could transform the industry and pave a new era of more affordable space launches.

Ultimately, SpaceX's founder and CEO Elon Musk hopes affordable rocket launches could eventually pave the way to colonies on Mars.

NOW WATCH: Epic footage of SpaceX’s gutsy rocket landings

More From Business Insider

• Here's why SpaceX canceled its launch twice — and when the next attempt will be
  

• SpaceX postpones rocket launch with less than 2 minutes to lift off
  

• SpaceX is scheduled to launch a rocket tonight followed by another epic rocket landing attempt — here's how to watch live