SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space company postponed the launch of its largest rocket just before the scheduled blast-off time due to a frozen valve.
Musk had warned beforehand that rocket launches often end in failure and so it proved as the plug was pulled in the final minutes before lift-off.
SpaceX said it hopes to make another attempt at a launch over the next 48 hours.
Musk aims to revolutionise the rocket industry with a fully and rapidly reusable design, facilitating frequent flights to orbit for people and satellites.
Taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Starship has more than double the thrust of any previous rocket launched from Earth.
The launch will be the first time the top segment of Starship is tested with its lower stage, called Super Heavy.
If successful, the project could lead to interplanetary travel for ordinary humans.