The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has been delayed until after Wednesday, NASA said in a statement Monday.

"A demonstration launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program has been rescheduled for no earlier than Wednesday, Dec. 8," NASA said in a statement. "The delay is because of a crack in the engine nozzle on the rocket's second stage."

"During a routine review of close-out photos of the rocket on Monday, SpaceX engineers discovered the crack, which measures about three-inches long," NASA said. Preparations continue on the rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 in Florida, NASA said.

The news continues to get worse for NASA, whose most recent Shuttle mission has been delayed twice already, and now been delayed until Feb. 3, also because cracks had been found on "stringers," two long brackets attached to the external tank.

SpaceX is considering several options, including repairing the crack or shipping a replacement part from California, NASA said, More information on the launch schedule will be announced when available.