Russia scrubs space launch

MOSCOW — Russia has scrubbed the planned launch of an unmanned cargo spacecraft that was to have delivered tons of supplies to the International Space Station.

Preparations for the launch of the Progress ship from the Baikonur complex in Kazakhstan appeared to be proceeding smoothly Sunday until less than a minute before liftoff.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, said the launch was halted after an automated command. The reason for the command was under investigation. The launch was rescheduled for Tuesday.

The Russian spacecrafts carry fuel, food and other supplies to the ISS. This one will attempt a new fast route to the station, docking just 3.5 hours after launch after only two Earth orbits.

Six astronauts are aboard the ISS — two Russians, three Americans and one from Japan.