ALL systems are go. SpaceX is all set for the first ever launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket. As 快猫短视频 went to press, the launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida was scheduled for 6 February, barring any complications due to weather or malfunctions.
The launch marks a watershed in private space flight. The Falcon Heavy rocket will be the most powerful in operation since the Saturn V used in the Apollo moon missions.
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Falcon Heavy is carrying an unusual payload: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk鈥檚 personal Tesla Roadster, which will be put into orbit around the sun. The car is outfitted with three cameras that Musk says should provide 鈥渆pic views鈥�.
The rocket has three booster engines, which will attempt to land back on Earth so they can be reused. In a press call before the launch, Musk was cautiously optimistic, but said 鈥渋t鈥檒l be a huge downer if it blows up鈥�. He added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 guaranteed to be exciting one way or another.鈥�
For more, see our dispatch from the launch pad on newscientist.com
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淪paceX to launch Tesla car into orbit鈥�
