Elon Musk’s SpaceX Rocket Launch

On February 6 at 3:45 p.m., Elon Musk–SpaceX and Tesla founder, launched his own Tesla Roadster into space from the Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was a test launch of SpaceX’s new Falcon Heavy rocket which claims to be capable of lifting up to 64 metric tons (141,000 pounds) into orbit, making it twice as powerful as any previous rocket.

During an interview with reporters before the launch, Musk said, “This is a test mission, so we don’t want to set expectations of perfection. I would consider it a win if it just clears the pad.” It did indeed clear the pad, and successfully launched into space. Despite an amazing take-off, the landing had some issues. As the rocket boosters finished launching, the center core broke off of the rest of the rocket.

The other two boosters landed simultaneously back onto the pad, but the center core splashed into the ocean at 300 miles per hour about 300 feet away. The test still surpassed expectations and many were thrilled with the performance of the new technology. Falcon Heavy is giving SpaceX a huge advantage in space exploration.

NASA is working on its own rocket, the Saturn V, but the Falcon Heavy may the superior technology. In comparison, Falcon Heavy costs billions less to build and launch, and is also reusable, which saves more resources and money. Space X’s rocket is also smaller but doesn’t sacrifice power. This advancement puts Musk even closer to his goal of colonizing Mars.

Musk is well known for his witty tweets, inventions, and high hopes for the future. As usual, he had to add a bit of style and humor to the launch. Not only did he launch his old Tesla Roadster into space, but he also sat a mannequin outfitted in a SpaceX jumpsuit in the driver’s seat and played David Bowie’s “Starman” on repeat.

The Tesla will now be orbiting about 400 million kilometers away from Earth for hundreds of millions of years, possibly one billion. In 2011 the idea for Falcon Heavy was first introduced but test launch dates kept being pushed back. Now that it’s finally come to pass, it could make a huge impact on space colonization and further exploration. Knowledge will continue to grow in this field, hopefully, aided by this new technology. “It seems surreal to me,” said Musk before the launch.