The launch of Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) has been postponed by NASA due to unstable wind conditions near the surface. According to the agency, the unfavorable weather would prevent the launch of the balloon.

The LDSD has been designed to ferry a team of astronauts down to the surface of Mars on a future human mission to the Red Planet. The 7,000-pound saucer has been equipped with an inflatable, doughnut-shaped shield as well as a super-strong parachute that should slow the LDSD down from supersonic speeds during descent.

The test involves a high-altitude balloon, which would carry the LDSD in the air from the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

The LDSD would be dropped from a height of 120,000 feet, and then fire its rocket engine to go even higher, 180,000 feet. Since the weather conditions for the LDSD to be lifted to the edge of space by a massive balloon need to be near-perfect, NASA delayed the launch once again on June 5, citing concerns over surface winds.

Mark Adler, LDSD project manager, said this month's launch window is open until June 12 and another window will come up in July. NASA will broadcast the mission live over internet when the test flight of the LDSD takes place.