Armadillo Aerospace experienced a rough engine liftoff of their MOD Lunar Lander craft - lifting off the ground - but then plopping back down on the pad. 

It was the second part of pad-to-pad hops of the vehicle to win $350,000 in prize money. The decision was later made that the craft was not ready for re-launch, with the attempt this morning scrubbed.

According to X Prize officials here, it appears that another attempt at the Level One Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander challenge is likely later this afternoon.

From a distance, this morning’s successful liftoff and landing (the first part of the two-part flight) also ran rough - with the motor sputtering as it flew across the desert landscape. The second liftoff for the return flight also seemed to feature bangs and pops. Early word is that there may have been a fuel leak, according to some observers.

Word from the launch site is that the craft is actually flight-worthy, but the engine did not pass a visual inspection. Armadillo technicians were attempting to work on the rocket at the site - but are hauling the craft back for more work.

“This is a real competition…and it is very challenging to do what Armadillo is trying to do,” said Ken Davidian, head of the NASA Centennial Challenges that is putting up the $2 million for the Lunar Lander challenge.

Late word is that the Armadillo team is swapping out the troubled engine with the Pixel motor. It appears certain that the team will re-attempt — for the third time — trying to win the $350,000 Level One money.