Elon Musk’s SpaceX now has the regulatory approval it needs to launch its Falcon Heavy mega-rocket. The launch is set to take place this Friday, a long-anticipated event that will add some serious propulsion power to the space industry.
The Falcon Heavy is the most powerful operational rocket in the world, capable of placing nearly 70 tons into low Earth orbit. It is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets strapped together, with two providing additional thrust by functioning as booster rockets during launch. It has three times the thrust of the single Falcon 9 rocket, making it much more powerful.
For the launch, SpaceX has modified the original design of the Falcon Heavy to include 27 of its powerful Merlin engines. This behemoth of a rocket will be used to send a Tesla Roadster and a mannequin into orbit around the sun. The rocket will then begin its descent, executing a complex series of maneuvers that will eventually bring it back to Earth and land safely in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX has spent the past few weeks preparing for the launch, and now that it has official approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) it is ready to go. This is the company’s first attempt at launching its powerful new rocket, and it is sure to be an event to remember if successful.
It should be a thrilling launch to watch as SpaceX attempts to create a new era of space exploration. If successful, Falcon Heavy may prove to be a game-changer for the industry, making it more affordable to launch payloads into space. For now, all eyes will be on Friday’s launch attempt, and no doubt that Elon Musk and his team at SpaceX are hoping for a successful mission.
