Must watch: Falcon Heavy maiden flight on Tuesday @ 1:30 PM EST

Posted on Monday, February 05 2018 @ 20:27 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
As reported before, the next launch from SpaceX will be the most exciting in the company's recent history. Tomorrow the company will attempt to launch Falcon Heavy, world's first reusable super-heavy lift launch vehicle:
The first test flight of Falcon Heavy is targeted for Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 1:30 PM ET from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. When Falcon Heavy lifts off, it will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two.

With the ability to lift into orbit nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 lb)---a mass greater than a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel--Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost.

Falcon Heavy draws upon the proven heritage and reliability of Falcon 9. Its first stage is composed of three Falcon 9 nine-engine cores whose 27 Merlin engines together generate more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft. Only the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, delivered more payload to orbit. Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars.
Here's a cool video that illustrates tomorrow's goal. If things go well, the first car will be on its way to meet Mars. Should something go wrong, you can expect a nice show too. Either way, there's no reason to miss this historic event. You will be able to find the livestream over here. The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 1:30 PM EST (7:30 PM CET).



About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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