The same solar activity that's been lighting up the night sky in North America is causing this particular delay.

Blue Origin postponed a planned second flight of its flagship New Glenn rocket on Sunday, delaying a mission seen as a crucial test for the Jeff Bezos-backed space company in its quest to challenge SpaceX.

Blue Origin is back to try to launch its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday afternoon on its second mission ever.

It's an important launch for Jeff Bezos' space company, which is trying to prove its rockets can be re-used while delivering its first commercial payloads.