SpaceX has postponed the launch of Nasa’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to carry out additional analysis.

The TESS launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida has been delayed until 18 April. The satellite was due to be launched on-board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on 16 April.

Announcing the delay, both Nasa and SpaceX said that further guidance navigation and control analysis was required before launching the spacecraft.

Nasa in its blog post said: “Launch teams are standing down today to conduct additional guidance navigation and control analysis, and teams are now working towards a targeted launch of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) on Wednesday, 18 April.

“The TESS spacecraft is in excellent health, and remains ready for launch.”

“SpaceX has selected the Port of Los Angeles in the US to manufacture its new large rocket known as BFR.”

Nasa developed the TESS satellite to discover thousands of exoplanets that are orbiting around the brightest stars in the sky in the neighbouring solar system.

During its two-year survey, the satellite is set to monitor more than 200,000 stars for temporary drops in brightness caused by planetary transits.

The mission aims to identify planets ranging from Earth-size to gas giants around various stellar types and orbital distances.

In a separate development, SpaceX has selected the Port of Los Angeles in the US to manufacture its new large rocket known as BFR.

The development has been confirmed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. It is expected to bring employment opportunities for 700 people at the manufacturing site.

In a statement cited by Associated Press, SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell said: “SpaceX has called the Port of Los Angeles home to our west coast recovery operations since 2012 and we truly appreciate the City of Los Angeles’ continued partnership.

“As announced today by Mayor Garcetti, the Port will play an increasingly important role in our mission to help make humanity multi-planetary, as SpaceX begins production development of BFR, our next-generation rocket and spaceship system capable of carrying crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars and beyond.”

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners is expected to vote on 19 April on whether to lease the 19ac port site to SpaceX.