TSpaceX's Elon Musk had a plan: to launch his original Tesla Roadster into orbit around Mars, atop the new Falcon Heavy rocket.
And on Wednesday, the plan went into effect. The Falcon Heavy launched successfully, and two of the boosters landed themselves for recovery.
Absolutely incredible job by @SpaceX, landing two rocket boosters at the same exact time. #FalconHeavy pic.twitter.com/BQizH3bKKm
— Jason Rabinowitz (@AirlineFlyer) February 6, 2018
The core booster did not survive its sea landing, but the core mission was a success: Starman and the Roadster are now in Solar orbit, and will eventually pass between Mars and the asteroid belt and will continue to do so for billions of years.
View from SpaceX Launch Control. Apparently, there is a car in orbit around Earth. pic.twitter.com/QljN2VnL1O
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 6, 2018
Congratulation, SpaceX and Starman! I only hope there's a towel in that Tesla somewhere.
That's all from us for this week. Have a great weekend, and we'll be back next week.