Space X Launch Aborted After Cruise Ship Enters Hazard Area

Authorities have not yet identified the ship that stopped the launch.

This past Thursday and Friday, Space X canceled a scheduled launch from Cape Canaveral due to poor weather conditions. On Saturday, Space X aborted the takeoff with 35 seconds to go when a cruise ship filled with vacationers wearing winter jackets and sipping Pina Coladas wandered into the no-go hazard area.

Authorities have yet to name the offending ship, but two ships were sailing nearby—Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas and MSC's Meraviglia.

All mariners in the area are sent notices in advance of launches from Cape Canaveral to advise them where and when to avoid the waters where a rocket might land if it changes its mind after liftoff.

The rocket is carrying a COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite for the Italian Space Agency.