Snapshots from Atlas 5 launch

NASA and Northrop Grumman officials have not set a new target date for the launch of the ICON ionospheric research satellite aboard an air-launched Pegasus XL rocket following a mission abort Wednesday, and it could be weeks before the the long-delayed science probe has another chance to head into orbit off Florida’s east coast.

The shift amplifies the agency’s marked shift from crewed operations in lunar orbit to focus on surface-based missions.

The final Delta 4 Medium rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on August 22, 2019, carrying into orbit the U.S. Air Force’s GPS 3 SV02 navigation satellite.