New Rocket Could Make Space Flight Cheaper For NASA

By Kaeun Yu

Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies, otherwise known as Space X, unveiled one of the world’s most powerful and affordable rockets, the Falcon Heavy, on Tuesday.

“Falcon Heavy at approximately $1,000 per pound to orbit, sets a new world record in affordable spaceflight,” Musk said at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The rocket’s power is only comparable to that of the Saturn V rocket, the jet that propelled man to the moon. It’s still uncertain as to whether or not NASA or the U.S. military will be using this rocket in the future, but Space X launched an unmanned rocket into space in December of 2010 to prove their rocket could handle “delivery” trips to the International Space Station.

Although its primary use is said to be focused on carrying equipment to and from, Falcon Heavy is also designed to meet NASA’s human rating standards and could potentially transport astronauts to and from space.

NASA has already made investments in Space X due to the companies low-cost flights, and Musk believes Space X will begin carrying out transport missions for NASA soon.

The Falcon Heavy is expected to be launched for the first time in 2012.