Jason Rhian

July 30th, 2017

SpaceX Falcon Heavy lifts off from Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39A. Image Credit: SpaceX

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. On an Instagram post, SpaceXs CEO and Founder has expressed less optimism than his companys fans about the success of the Heavy version of the first flight of his companys Falcon Heavy rocket. Elon Musks comments highlight his knowledge concerning the success rates that most launch vehicles encounter on their maiden flight, as well as the fact that the FH has 27 Merlin 1D engines in the rockets first stage alone.

According to Reuters Irene Klotz, that test flight was supposed to have flown in 2013 and Musk has noted numerous times that it is proving to be complex, even suggesting that it perhaps should have been called the Falcon 27 instead. Nevertheless, supporters of the company have attempted to argue that the Falcon Heavys first flight has not been delayed, that it has not flown because the launch vehicle lacked a paying customer, and the fact that the rockets first flight would need to be a test flight, as was the case with the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9.

When it does fly, the Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful rocket currently in operation (by a factor of two according to Space Coast Daily). However, at present, it is currently in the same classification as NASAs Space Launch System unproven.

The former Soviet Union had tried for three years (and four launches) to have their N1 rocket enable their lunar ambitions only to have each mission end in an explosion. Like the N1 (which had 30 NK-15 engines in its first stage), the Falcon Heavy has a large number of engines in its first stage.

Supporters of the Hawthorne, California-based companys innovative efforts have suggested that SLS should be canceled in favor of the Falcon Heavy often citing the rockets cost (possibly as low as $90 million per flight) and capabilities despite the fact that the rocket has never flown. Much like the Falcon 9, the expense of sending payloads to orbit is often the deciding factor for customers.

If SpaceX can bring the Falcon Heavy into service, it will eclipse the current highest capacity rocket currently in operation United Launch Alliances Delta IV Heavy. The Delta IV Heavy has one factor strongly in its favor a simpler design. Whereas the Falcon Heavy employs 27 engines in its first stage, the Delta Heavy has only oneAerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A engine in each of its three common booster cores.

However, should the Falcon Heavy enter into rotation at Cape Canaveral in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, it will be a tough act to follow.

With the ability to send140,660 pounds (63,800kg) to orbit compared to the Delta Heavys 62,540 pounds (28,370kg), the Falcon Heavy will be able to send more to orbit and at a lower cost (estimates have placed the cost of the Falcon Heavy at $90 million compared to the Delta Heavys $375 million) than their competitor.

If everything continues to go as planned, the Falcon Heavy will be launched from SpaceXs facilities at Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39A with the Falcon 9 lifting off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Stations Space Launch Complex 40.

Video courtesy of SpaceX

Tagged: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Elon Musk Falcon Heavy Kennedy Space Center Lead Stories SpaceX

Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.

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Musk: Falcon Heavy could fly as early as this fall - SpaceFlight Insider