The first test launch of the Falcon Heavy
 |
| Credit: SpaceX |
The Falcon Heavy is a new rocket being developed by SpaceX – Space
Exploration Technologies Corporation – one of two private companies that NASA
has contracted to transport cargo to the International Space Station.
Designed to lift satellites or spacecraft into orbit weighing more
than 53 tons, or 117,000 pounds, it has over twice the capacity of the Space
Shuttle and Delta IV Heavy launcher. At full power, its thrust is equivalent to
fifteen 747's. This makes it the most powerful rocket since the Saturn V which
took astronauts to the Moon.
SpaceX's goals include simultaneously lowering the price of
orbital spaceflight and improving reliability, both by a factor of ten, whilst
creating the first fully reusable orbital launch vehicle. Longer term, the
company intends to design an even more powerful rocket, known as a "super
heavy-lift" vehicle. This would have about three times the power of a
Falcon Heavy, or about 50 percent more than the Saturn V – enough to carry
people to Mars.
The Falcon Heavy was originally planned to have its first
demonstration flight in 2013. However, this schedule was subsequently moved to
2014.*
Reference
http://www.spacex.com/missions
Accessed 20th November 2013.
Post a Comment