Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (NASA photo)

The U.S. space agency has delayed the launch of a spacecraft destined for the planet Mars.

NASA called off the planned launch Thursday after engineers detected a problem with a fueling sensor on the rocket that will lift the orbiter into space.

NASA is working to fix the problem, and flight controllers say they hope to launch the spacecraft on Friday, after a 24-hour delay.

The Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter (MRO) is designed to create a precision map of Mars, probe through its atmosphere and check for signs of water. Imaging radar will allow the MRO to probe beneath the Martian surface.

The MRO has a powerful antenna that can transmit 10 times more data per minute than the three satellites already in orbit around Mars.

Once launched, the MRO is expected to reach Mars by March.