India's Chandrayaan-2 moon mission called off just before launch

India's space agency called off the launch of its second moon mission less than an hour before takeoff due to a technical issue.

Chandrayaan 2, which means 'moon vehicle', was going to attempt the world's first landing on the lunar South Pole, where it would search for water and minerals, as well as measure moonquakes. 

However, with 56 minutes remaining on the countdown, a problem with the launch vehicle system was observed, leading to the takeoff being cancelled.

A new launch date will be announced later.

If the planned moon landing is eventually successful, India will become the fourth country to soft-land a spacecraft on the lunar surface, joining the United States, Russia and China.