Watch SpaceX launch a game-changing rocket on this livestream

SpaceX is preparing to make history on Tuesday afternoon with the much-anticipated launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket.

Built from a strengthened core and two of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, the Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful operational launch vehicle in the world "by a factor of two," Space reported. If everything goes as planned, the Falcon Heavy could make spaceflight cheaper and easier, and even eventually take astronauts to the moon and Mars.

Though the launch should theoretically go off without a hitch, SpaceX isn't risking any important cargo on this test flight. Normally, tests of this caliber carry some dead weight, equal to what the rocket will be expected to carry in actual runs. But instead of that "boring" option, according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the rocket will be carrying a red Tesla roadster, plus a SpaceX spacesuit sitting in the front seat, Engadget reported.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

The rocket was originally expected to launch around 1:30 p.m. EST, but after wind-related delays, is now expected to launch around 3:45 p.m. Watch the livestream at SpaceX or below. Shivani Ishwar

YouTube

Watch On