New Zealand-based Rocket Lab's Electron rocket was aborted two seconds from takeoff on Tuesday.
The 17-metre tall rocket was due to launch at 4.50pm from Mahia Peninsula on the North Island's east coast and had a 15-minute Facebook Live countdown, with thousands of people watching from around the world.
The flight would have been carrying earth-imaging satellites for US companies Planet Labs and Spire Global, which might also have capability for weather and ship-tracking.
However, after the countdown reached two seconds, and ignition appeared successful, it was aborted. The reason why was unclear.
After a few minutes of reviewing data, an announcer declared the launch had been "scrubbed" for the day. Another launch date window will come in due time, he said.
The company opened the 10-day launching window on Friday, but high winds had prevented the launch until Tuesday.
It is the second of three test flights as the company prepares to become a commercial operation.
The inaugural Rocket Lab launch in May reached space but didn't make it into orbit, due to a communication fault.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to send into space small payloads, such as satellites, weighing up to 150kg.
