The SpaceX Effect

Musk said the rocket system could launch payloads “direct to Pluto and beyond” without the help of gravity assist. Meanwhile, traditional aerospace languishes.

by Newt Gingrich
February 12, 2018

The successful launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket on Tuesday at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida was a tremendous step toward reasserting American leadership in space.

The Falcon Heavy is the most powerful rocket launched in the U.S. since the Apollo missions – and it is the most powerful commercial rocket ever made. It can carry nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 lbs.) into orbit. This is more than double the payload of the next-biggest rocket currently in operation. For perspective, SpaceX says this is, “a mass greater than a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage, and fuel.”

SpaceX owner Elon Musk also said the rocket system could launch payloads “direct to Pluto and beyond” without the help of gravity assist.

This successful test flight should serve as a serious motivator for the National Space Council to jumpstart the nation’s focus on manned space flight.

When President Trump reinstated the Space Council on June 30, 201…