Falcon Heavy is not only practical evidence that the private space industry has a future, but a direct statement that the future of space technology is in the hands of private business.
What is Falcon Heavy ?
Falcon Heavy is a SpaceX super-heavy launch vehicle. Its distinguishing feature is partial reusable use. The accelerator and the first stage of the rocket after separation are returned to Earth and can be used in re-launches. Another competitive advantage of the Falcon is its low launch cost. At 2015 prices, SpaceX reported a cost of $ 90 million per launch. In comparison, launching the Delta IV Heavy, the second-largest missile payload, costs Boeing about $ 400 million. In this case, the payload brought to a low reference orbit, Delta IV Heavy reaches 28 790 kg, and Falcon Heavy – 63 800 kg.
At the moment, Falcon Heavy is the heaviest, most powerful and load-carrying launch vehicle in the world. Its design uses a record number of marching engines – 28 (27 of which work simultaneously). If the rocket can generate statistics on successful launches, then SpaceX will successfully refute the point of view, which has been popular among engineers over the past half century, that it is technically impossible to achieve reliability from a “super-multi-propelled” launch vehicle.
What are the prospects for Falcon Heavy ?
The successful launch of a rocket with such a payload as that of the Falcon Heavy, expands the possibilities of transportation and removal of equipment even outside the low Earth orbit. For example, SpaceX reports that, in a modern configuration, a rocket can bring payloads to Mars (up to 16,800 kg) and Pluto (up to 3,500 kg). In addition, this development brings humanity closer to the colonization of nearby cosmic bodies. In fact, this rocket from the very beginning was developed by Ilon Mask with the prospect of conducting colonization missions to the moon and Mars. But in the process, emphasis was placed on transport applications, and so far no manned flights are planned.
So far, SpaceX has proposed using a launch vehicle to launch automatic interplanetary stations and large artificial Earth satellites into near-Earth orbit. Given that the cost of one launch is three times cheaper than that of its closest competitor, SpaceX will most likely not be left without orders.
Number of Startup Attempts
At the moment, Falcon Heavy was launched once – on February 6, 2018. The launch pad was the Kennedy Space Center. As a payload, Elon Musk suggested using his personal Tesla Roadster. The cargo was successfully launched into the heliocentric orbit. Booster side boosters landed on the ground. Their reuse is planned. It is noteworthy that this launch was not the first for accelerators – they were used in 2016 to launch the CRS-9 and Thaicom 8 descents using the Falcon 9.
“ANDcar It will be approximately 400,000,000 kilometers from Earth and will fly at a speed of 11 kilometers per second. According to our estimates, it will be in this orbit for several hundred million years, perhaps even more than a billion years. ”
Elon Musk on the fate of the Tesla Roadster
The central block of the rocket did not land on the platform, as originally planned. Elon Musk at a subsequent conference said that ignition did not occur in two of the three landing engines, so the unit fell a hundred meters from the platform, crashing into water at a speed of about 500 km / h.
SpaceX plans to launch two more Falcon Heavy launches with a payload in 2018. In June, it will launch with several satellites in accordance with a contract with the US Air Force. The load includes 2 heavy and 32 small satellites, which are launched into low Earth orbit. If the launch meets the expectations of the Ministry of Defense, the company will be able to count on beneficial cooperation.
In the second quarter of 2018, it is planned to launch the ArabSat 6A satellite into geo-transition orbit by order of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization.
At the end of 2019 – the beginning of 2020, it is planned to launch with a payload in the form of a ViaSat 3 Americas satellite by order of ViaSat. The cargo is launched into geo-transition orbit. In all cases, the Kennedy Space Center will serve as the launching pad..
SpaceX plans to use another launch pad – the US Air Force Base Vandenberg in California. The site is leased from the Air Force. Now Falcon 9 rockets are launched from it, but the platform is being upgraded to launch Falcon Heavy.
Project Cost Falcon Heavy
In February, Elon Musk said that the total cost of developing and implementing Falcon Heavy was $ 500 million. The project has been implemented for more than 7 years and was immediately of great interest to potential customers..
The minimum cost of a single launch of the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle is $ 90 million. At the same time, the company notes that the exact figure depends on the configuration and configuration. So, for example, for starting, you can use options with the return to the ground of side accelerators, accelerators and the first stage, or even a completely non-returnable set.
In the process of developing the project, the declared launch cost has changed regularly. So, in 2011, SpaceX reported figures of 80-125 million, in 2012 – 83-128 million, in 2013 – 77-135 million. In 2014, the price of 85 million dollars was indicated on the official website. The minimum price in the range means the removal of the payload to the geo-transitional orbit with a mass of up to 6400 kg, the maximum – with a mass of more than 6400 kg.
Speaking about the financial component, it is important to note that the successful launch had a positive impact on the financial situation not only of SpaceX, but also of Tesla Motors, whose production car served as a payload. Broadcast with millions of viewers, photographs in all world media and an advertising object revolving around the Sun – served as a successful marketing campaign for the brand.
After February 6, Tesla Motors shares went up (although the company closed the previous reporting period with a record loss).
Source: ru.tradingview.com, TSLA stock price on the chart is indicated at the time of publication of the article.
These problems are caused by a delay in production, which are planned to be eliminated in the near future, therefore experts give a positive forecast, and investors see good prospects in Tesla.
SpaceX is a privately held company and was well received by investors earlier, and therefore did not enter an IPO. She regularly had large investors, some of which remain “in the background”. After such a loud and triumphant achievement as the launch of Falcon Heavy, even more interest will be shown in the company.
“Life cannot be just a solution to one boring problem after another. It should have things that inspire you, thanks to which you joyfully wake up in the morning and become part of humanity. That’s why we did it. We did it for you. ”
Elon Musk
Confirming the reputation of the project with several more successful starts, SpaceX can very well count on world leadership in the industry. This is a unique achievement for all mankind, which without a shadow of modesty can be called another step into space.
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How did Elon Musk successfully launch the Falcon Heavy, a super-heavy rocket? I am curious to know the technical details and key factors that contributed to the success of this remarkable feat. What innovative technologies or techniques were employed in the launch process?
Can you please explain the detailed process of how Elon Musk successfully launched the Falcon Heavy, a super-heavy rocket?
How did Elon Musk manage to launch the Falcon Heavy, a super-heavy rocket? Did he face any major technical challenges or setbacks during the process? What were the key factors or innovations that enabled its successful launch?
Elon Musk managed to launch the Falcon Heavy by leveraging innovative technology, strategic planning, and resource management. He faced several technical challenges and setbacks during the process, including delays in the development of the rocket’s powerful engines and structural design. Musk’s team had to overcome these obstacles through continuous testing, iteration, and problem-solving. Key factors that enabled the successful launch included the reusable rocket technology developed by SpaceX, efficient manufacturing processes, and collaboration with industry partners. The Falcon Heavy’s ability to carry heavy payloads at a lower cost compared to other super-heavy rockets made it a game-changing innovation in the space industry.
I was really intrigued about Elon Musk’s achievement in launching the Falcon Heavy rocket. Can anyone explain in detail how he accomplished this marvel? I’d love to know more about the key advancements, challenges faced, and how it compares to other space missions. Any insights or recommended resources would be highly appreciated!