The United Launch Alliance rocket was scheduled for 8:15 p.m. and with only 7.5 seconds left before liftoff, a hold was placed.
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It appeared there may have been problems with the fuel and after the delay, the launch was scrubbed during the live broadcast.
People flocked to Griffith Observatory in hopes of catching a spectacular light show in the sky from the rocket, but were ultimately disappointed when the launch was canceled.
ULA said the sequencer, which controls the countdown detected a problem, but specifics of what else went wrong were not given.
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It was originally scheduled to launch Friday afternoon, but the attempt was scrubbed after issues between the control center and the launch site.
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The rocket, a Delta IV Heavy, was carrying a government reconnaissance satellite.
ULA has carried out 27 launches for the National Reconnaissance Office over the past 12 years.