SpaceX is attempting to launch the most powerful operation rocket in the world. Watch it live right now.
Update: The mission was a success! For more updates check out SpaceX on Twitter.
The Falcon Heavy Rocket is 20 stories tall and contains 27 engines. It is capable of lifting payloads of 140,000 pounds but in the rocket today, Elon Musk has added his unreleased Tesla Roadster. Yes, Elon Musk is sending a supercar into space.
Watch this animation to learn what the goal is for today's launch.
Watch another live feed here:
Looks like they pushed back to 3:05 ET. Anticipation is killing me!
Make that 3:45
Not sure how this is even photography related... but the stream isn't even the official one. Here's the real one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbSwFU6tY1c
Thanks! Here at Fstoppers we post photography news and monumental human achievements.
Yes :)
What's the point of sending the car into space?
Because they have to do a load test anyway so why not make it awesome.
none. For testing purposes the common practice is to load the vector with concrete or scrap metal to simulate the payload. Elon Musk thought it was way cooler to send a car, in his words: "a red car for the red planet". Plus, I think is a good way to draw some attention
The most expensive car commercial in human history......
Nothing is free.
This is the first launch for this new type of rocket and the risk of failure is very high so they can't mount an expensive payload. Elon Musk thought it would be a good marketing move to put a Tesla in there for his sister company. They should have sent the truck actually ;)
Because they can.
You would not if you could ? What else would you chose if you were on his place now ?
:)
I'm already preparing the popcorn :D
Also a little correction, I believe the largest rocket is still the Saturn V.
Yes, Saturn V was much bigger with higher payload capacity but the Falcon Heavy will rank first in orbital payload for current rockets in service (vs retired designs).
Whoops, not the largest, "the most powerful operational rocket."
yes, that's exactly the plan. The two side boosters have a designated landing zone somewhere around Cape Canaveral, while the center booster is supposed to land in the Atlantic Ocean on the droneship "Of course I love you".
Don't remember about the center core, but the side ones have been already used
Wasn't practical. The center booster was moving too fast and too far downrange to come back to KSC. So, they had to land it on the drone ship. But the two side boosters landing at almost the same moment was really impressive!
That was crazy to watch. They landed within a second or two of each other. Landing one rocket the way they land them is hard enough but to land two means the force of the other rocket would have to be corrected for.
He would appreciate it ;)
Yes it was! we were in the office cheering.
Some say Peter Lik asked them to send a camera for a new picture of the moon...
What and incredible event! SpaceX gives me hope for the future .