SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket soars in debut test launch from Florida

Yahoo News ^ | Joey Roulette

[WMarshal]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - The world's most powerful rocket, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, roared into space through clear blue skies in its debut test flight on Tuesday from a Florida launch site where moon missions once began, in another milestone for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's private rocket service. ..... Then, capitalizing on cost-cutting reusable rocket technology pioneered by SpaceX, the two boosters flew themselves back to Earth for safe simultaneous touchdowns on twin landing pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, about eight minutes after launch. Each rocket unleashed a double sonic boom as it neared the landing zone.

[WMarshal]

The world has been predicting America's fall since 1776 and we just keep on moving up and onwards. Welcome to the next American Century!

[Ozark Tom]

Center booster ran out of triethylborane and could not restart two of three engines required for a controlled decent to the drone ship LZ.

[longfellowsmuse]

That’s correct, however the two boosters landing together in perfect synchronicity is pretty awesome, and now there’s a red sports car orbiting the sun!

[SubMareener]

The two boosters landing together was breathtaking.

[Duchess47]

now there’s a red sports car orbiting the sun!...

And you really can’t beat that. :)

[NorthMountain]

Center booster ran out of triethylborane

Dang ... that's a crappy reason to lose a booster. Wonder if too much got used on launch ... engines were balky on re-start ... other?

Telemetry probably told them how much they used on each engine start ... Be interesting to see how that turns out.

Rest of the flight was simply awesome.

[NorthMountain]

The Falcon-9 landing is amazing. They look like they’re coming in too hot, but in fact it’s just right.

[JoSixChip]

I know this Musk is a big lib, but he has achieved greatness. Imagine if people like soroes put there resources into advancing mankind rather then destroying it.

[null and void]

Indeed!

[cyclotic]

One of my kids is about to graduate college as an astronautical engineer. What a great time for that career choice.

[Secret Agent Man]

Maybe center tank didnt get filled up enough. Or because it went higher and burned for more time than the two side boosters that detached earlier, it needed more for its descent.

[GoldenState_Rose]

I hope so. And I don’t want America to “share” outer space with foreign countries’ governments who wish for just that. (Our downfall) - only free countries who love what is good and right.

Also frustrating: some of America’s biggest naysayers are on these boards. Even after Trump won.

We need to believe in ourselves again. Believe in our history. Even the corruption coming to light is a good thing and proof our system is working despite every effort coming up against it and meant to sabotage the fabric of our society...the truth still emerges.

[Southack]

Nice!

[Glad2bnuts]

Space exploration is a great subject for science fiction, but is centuries away from practical travel. Get back to me with proof we actually went to the moon....label me a skeptic and a KOOK.

[JoSixChip]

Even the corruption coming to light is a good thing and proof our system is working despite every effort coming up against it and meant to sabotage the fabric of our society...the truth still emerges.

While I think the jury is still out on that one, it also seems like they have been deliberating for around 242 years.

[JoSixChip]

Space exploration is a great subject for science fiction, but is centuries away from practical travel.

Garbage, I'll bet in 2030 space travel to profitable mining operations on distant meteorites is common. Exploration and profits are what drive mankind.

label me a skeptic and a KOOK.

Ya, that was a given.

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

Check out http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities. SpaceX’s pricing is incredible. All other countries are having to cut their pricing in order to compete with the free enterprise system. Because they land and re-use stages, they can save a ton of money. While I used to object to Musk getting gov $$$, he is advancing mankind’s ability to reach for the stars, literally.

[GnuThere]

This was so impressive to watch. Good for SpaceX.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I'll bet in 2030 space travel to profitable mining operations on distant meteorites is common

I think you're a bit too optimistic - I'd guess 2050 to 2060 for routine mining operations in the asteroid belt. But private industry will lead the way on this, not the government.

[JoSixChip]

I think you're a bit too optimistic

Look what aviation did in 50 years. From the Wright Bros to the SR-71. And we know a lot more stuff now.