SpaceX set to launch ‘most powerful rocket in the world’
MiaMi: SpaceX’s first test launch of its Falcon Heavy aims to become the world’s most powerful rocket in operation, capable of reaching the Moon or Mars some day.
The launch is the most ambitious yet for SpaceX, and has been hailed by industry experts as a game-changer because of its potential to propel the California-based company to the very forefront of the modern day space race.
“NASA may decide to use it (the Falcon Heavy) as a way of fast-tracking its plans to get to the Moon and Mars,” Erik Seedhouse, assistant professor of applied aviation sciences at Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University said.
The launch is a “huge deal, even for a company that routinely accomplishes huge deals”, said Jason Davis of the Planetary Society, describing the Falcon Heavy as “mythical”.
Only a mannequin wearing a futuristic spacesuit is on board, strapped into CEO Elon Musk’s very own cherry red Tesla car.
“Starman in a Red Roadster,” Musk posted on Instagram on Monday, showing the rocket’s payload on a pedestal, aiming skyward.
Musk has also said David Bowie’s hit Space Oddity would play in the vehicle during the launch.
An animated video released by SpaceX to preview the launch showed all three rocket boosters returning to upright landings on Earth, while the car and mannequin emerged from the protective nose cone and sailed into orbit.
The car is destined for an elliptical orbit around the Sun.
“At times, it will come extremely close to Mars, and there is a tiny, tiny chance that it will hit Mars,” Musk told reporters.
“Extremely tiny.” — AFP