Posted on 01/03/2018 8:59:24 AM PST by Simon Green
SpaceX is getting ready for its first ever test flight of the Falcon Heavy, its heavy-duty rocket aimed at propelling large cargo loads into low Earth orbit. The rocket uses three Falcon 9 boosters combined for maximum load capacity when leaving Earth's atmosphere, and it's looking to do its first test launch within the next few weeks from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
The rocket made its way to the Cape Canaveral launch facility late in 2017, but now it's actually vertical on the launchpad, undergoing its long preflight test check list before the actual attempt is made. SpaceX celebrated getting its rocket upright with an impressive drone's eye view video of the massive spacecraft, along with brand new images captured of the Falcon Heavy aiming skyward on the pad.
Falcon Heavy also has a cargo pod up top with the 'FH' logo clearly visible, and we know what it contains – Elon Musk's own original cherry red Tesla Roadster, which is set to launch on the rocket's first trial run – destined for an eventual Mars orbit, if all goes to plan.
Since this is the first ever launch SpaceX has attempted using its Falcon Heavy, however, there's a significant chance that not everything will go to plan. Musk himself has hinted that there could be a considerably sized fireball in store for anyone watching the show, since no matter how many simulations you run, real-world launches always prove different from what a computer tells you will happen.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
I heard they called the Big Falcon Rocket. BFR.
Anybody know?
Are all three first-stage boosters scheduled to tail-land after launch? Now, THAT would be fun to watch!
Rockets made and managed by private companies are much cheaper than those made by government agencies.
Yes - the two side Falcons will land at the Cape and the center one on a barge at sea.
The live feed for this will be exciting!!
Anyone know what tech the boosters use to tail land.
No launch date in the article. Anyone know when its going to launch?
“””celebrated getting its rocket upright”””
no comment
Hey, I could go for that! Count me in!
What's that?
Oh...nevermind...
It’s all computer-guided. They reserve a portion of the lift fuel to power the return trajectory guidance and landing jets. They can launch heavier without a return as they did a few weeks ago in California.
>>>>we know what it contains – Elon Musk’s own original cherry red Tesla Roadster<<<<
I was hoping for the Winnebago from Spaceballs, but that will do.
I plan to be there for this one!
That’s a big freaking rocket!
Musk said the launch is guaranteed to be exciting, and that any outcome that doesn't destroy the launchpad will be considered a win. The center booster has the same engine configuration as the outrigger boosters, but had to be reengineered to support the much heavier payloads. That propulsive landing will be the one to watch, it's heavier and will take more energy to decelerate. The likelihood is, if the FH continues to be used, it will always be landing on the barge, for that reason.
“BFR” is already taken as Magnum Research has a revolver called a Big Frame Revolver, or commonly called “BFR”. Great gun and can sling a hardcast slug at about the same energy as a 12 gauge shotgun slug.
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