On Tuesday February 6th, 2018 SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy left the launch pad and made it successfully into a “near” Mars orbit. The Falcon Heavy which was now over three years delayed because of the continue evolution of the Falcon 9, which is now in its block 5 configuration, had a successful static fire test on January 24, 2018. After the test anticipation for the launch continued to build and reached a frenzy when SpaceX announced a launch window.
Millions tuned in to watch live on the internet while thousands viewed the launch live in Florida. Elon Musk the C.E.O of SpaceX had stated before that there was a high probability that the rocket might explode however, what ever happens it is guaranteed to be exciting. He turned out to be correct this was the by far the most exciting rocket launch of the modern space era.
The rocket was carrying a very unique payload, a cherry red Tesla Roadster which was owned by CEO Elon Musk. The roadster was be driven by a dummy wearing a SpaceX Space Suit nick named Space Man. It also contained a mini Hot Wheels Roadster with a mini space man affixed to the dashboard. Mounted on the payload attach fitting which is the structure that holds the Roadster onto the second stage of the rocket is a plaque with the names of over six thousand SpaceX employees. The rocket blasted the roadster into an elliptical orbit around the sun that will kinda close to Mar’s orbit.
The most spectacular part of the event was the return of the side boosters. SpacesX has landed several landings in the past however, they have never attempted to land three rocket seconds apart. For this mission SpaceX wanted to land and all three boosters, that is the two side booster and the centre core. Viewers were given a real treat when the two side boosters performed a synchronised landing at Land Zones one and two. It was like watching tow dancers at the top of three game performing in sync. It was later reported at the pres conference following the launch that the centre core booster missed the drone ship called Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic ocean. It hit the water at over 300 miles per hr and shattered even causing damage to the equipment on the drone ship.
The first fight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy was a success it marks a major step towards SpaceX and Elon Musk goal to making humans a multi planet specie. Twenty seven engines working together to create history, the most powerful rocket in the world is ready to go to work as the top dog in the industry. That is until SpaceX’s BFR is complete.
