Having a tense week? Spare a thought for Elon Musk.
It’s one of the final crucial procedures to check whether a rocket is ready for launch and for first first time the SpaceX Falcon Heavy has successfully fired all 27 of its engines simultaneously.
Massive plumes of exhaust and steam billowed out from the base of the spacecraft during the hold-down test fire at around 9:30am Pacific Time; literally boosting the engines with the vehicle still attached.
First static fire test of Falcon Heavy complete—one step closer to first test flight! pic.twitter.com/EZF4JOT8e4
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 24, 2018
To the joy of sci-fi lovers and relieved SpaceX investors the world over, CEO Elon Musk succinctly tweeted “Falcon Heavy hold-down firing this morning was good.” Then confirmed that following this test official launch could be as early as “a week or so”.
Falcon Heavy hold-down firing this morning was good. Generated quite a thunderhead of steam. Launching in a week or so. pic.twitter.com/npaqatbNir
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 24, 2018
The Falcon Heavy’s early flights will be unmanned but stocked with satellites for ferrying into orbit, however eventually SpaceX plans to take jet lag to stratospheric levels by offering flights to space-tourists, as demonstrated by this uplifting little promo video.
Lack of carry-on baggage noted.
All this means we’re one small step closer to flying anywhere on the planet in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Black Mirror, which is an uplifting thought (zing!).
