SpaceX Tests Falcon Heavy, Huge Rocket For Manned Space Missions

For the most part, rocket launches by SpaceX were so far involved in delivering goods such as satellites into space. That was with the Falcon 9. With the Falcon Heavy rocket, things are a bit different as the rocket is bigger. This means that it has more room and was actually intended to accommodate humans to go on manned missions to space.

For the most part, the only time that humans ever go to space anymore is to spend a few months on the International Space Station. Thanks to budget constraints and technological limitations, that’s about all even governments can do. With the Falcon Heavy that SpaceX recently tested, things are about to change, Futurism reports.

This bigger, more powerful rocket by the company has enough lift capacity to actually launch 54 metric tons of weight off the ground and into space. This is a huge development, especially when considering that SpaceX is likely going to make the Falcon Heavy reusable as well. For the planned mission to colonize Mars, it’s absolutely essential that the company succeed in this regard.

As for the test itself, it was actually just a static fire process involving the rocket’s side booster. SpaceX sent out a Tweet containing a video of the test, which already has the internet abuzz with anticipation.

“Static fire test of a Falcon Heavy side booster completed in McGregor, TX last week. This booster previously launched Thaicom 8,” the Tweet reads.

Now, tests like these are important in order to determine the integrity of the rocket. With space launches not exactly being strangers to explosions, a failed boost is the last thing that the company would want to happen on the day Falcon Heavy is actually sent to orbit. As to when that would happen, it seems the schedule puts it a few months from now during Summer, Engadget reports.