Private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SapceX) is looking to conduct a static-fire test launch on the Falcon Heavy, a reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed and manufactured by the company this week.
The Falcon Heavy, described as "the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two," is currently at the Kennedy Space Center positioned on a launchpad as SpaceX engineers make the final preparations for what the company promises to be a spectacular static-fire engine test. Digital Trends reports that if everything goes according to plan, the rocket could just be weeks away to set off on its maiden mission to Mars.
The Falcon Heavy is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets with a single upper stage. In terms of power, the only rocket more powerful than the Falcon Heavy is the Saturn V which once took astronauts to the moon. Incorporating the advanced reusable rocket system of SpaceX, the various separation processes of the Falcon Heavy are designed to take place not long after its launch with all three boosters anticipated to land back on Earth.
However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recognized that if the test proves successful, the first mission that would follow soon after should be a monumental challenge, adding that there is "a real good chance" the unmanned Falcon Heavy will not even make it into orbit.
Nonetheless, the rocket will be taking Musk's Tesla Roadster all the way to Mars, where the CEO claims it could remain in orbit for a billion years if it all goes according to plan. Musk had previously stated that he wanted to send "the silliest thing we can imagine." He added that he loved the thought of a car "drifting apparently endlessly through space and perhaps being discovered by an alien race millions of years in the future."
There has been no announcement with regards to SpaceX holding live-streaming event, but spectators can watch the static-fire test launch at Spaceflight Now with a subscription.
