SpaceX fans in the US and around the globe tuned in to see the firm launch its Starship Serial Number 9 (SN9)  prototype for its first test flight Thursday, but the all that was seen was the massive rocket standing completely still on the launch pad.

Moments later, CEO Elon Musk bashed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Twitter for its rules regarding space launches - which suggesting SpaceX did not get a green light for the flight test.

'Unlike its aircraft division, which is fine, the FAA space division has a fundamentally broken regulatory structure,' Musk wrote.

'Their rules are meant for a handful of expendable launches per year from a few government facilities. Under those rules, humanity will never get to Mars.' 

The FAA has stayed quiet while Musk airs his frustrations online, but the division told DailyMail.com: 'We will continue working with SpaceX to resolve outstanding safety issues before we approve the next test flight.'

Although not stated by the FAA, the delay may be due to SpaceX's previous test flight of its Starship SN8 that traveled about seven miles into the air and then exploded on the launch pad in what Musk called 'an awesome test.'

Regardless, SpaceX will need approval from the FAA before sending SN9 into the sky, but the firm announced it is eyeing Monday for another attempt.

Starship SN9 has been waiting on the launch pad all this week for its first test flight that will see it soar six miles into the air and perform an aerodynamic descent and flipping manuever – the same tricks conducted by its predecessor SN8 in December.

On Thursday, SpaceX fueled SN9 for the feat and moments later pulled the plug on the mission.