The real life Iron Man (Elon Musk) has been making waves across the world of science and technology for the past couple of years now. The next big step for Elon’s SpaceX company is the much anticipated launch of the Falcon Heavy (launch date set for Mar/Apr 2016). That’s according to remarks given by Lee Rosen, SpaceX’s vice president of mission and launch operations, at a conference in Pasadena this week. He has reportedly stated: “It‘s going to be a great day when we launch [the Falcon Heavy], some time in the late April ““ early May timeframe.”
Fans of SpaceX have been eagerly awaiting some news around the Falcon Heavy for some time. The project has had its fair share of delays. It will be the world’s most powerful operational rocket, capable of launching 115,000 pounds (53,000 kg) into low-Earth orbit. In history, it is only second to the Saturn V rocket (which powered Apollo missions to the moon) and the Soviet Energia rocket, both of which were significantly more powerful.
SpaceX originally planned to launch the Falcon Heavy in 2013. The second date was set for this year but delayed to 2016 after the failure of the Falcon 9 rocket on June 28th. SpaceX clearly wants to cover all the bases before sending this gargantuan rocket into space. The Falcon Heavy is comprised of three Falcon 9 rockets strapped together. After the first launch early next year SpaceX has a second planned launch in September 2016 for the Air Force that will bring some 37 satellites to space. Check out the video rendering of how the Falcon Heavy will launch below.
Source: The Verge
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