An urgent rescue mission to save a NASA space telescope remains grounded due to a last-minute launch issue. Northrop Grumman’s rocket-plane took off from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific on Thursday after weather delays throughout the week. However, a software problem resulted in the launch being canceled, keeping the Pegasus rocket attached to the plane, according to NASA. The issue has been resolved, and another launch attempt has been scheduled for Friday.

The rocket is carrying a robotic spacecraft designed by Katalyst Space Technologies. This three-armed spacecraft aims to capture the Swift Observatory, which could crash before October without intervention. NASA paused Swift’s scientific operations this year to preserve its orbit as long as possible. Since its launch in 2004, Swift has detected thousands of gamma-ray bursts and exploding stars, informing other telescopes for more detailed observations. Wishing for Swift to continue scanning the universe, NASA contracted Katalyst Space last September for the $30 million rescue operation.

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