Elon Musk's SpaceX succeeds in launching 'most powerful rocket'

APD NEWS

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US private rocket company SpaceX has succeeded in launching its "Falcon Heavy" rocket, which it claims is "the world's most powerful."

The rocket was launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:45 pm local time on Tuesday.

The payload was another product from SpaceX founder Elon Musk: an electric car made by Tesla.

Screenshot from SpaceX.

Musk and his company are currently monitoring the flight, with a camera shooting a dummy human inside the car in what they call "live view of Starman."

Falcon Heavy is the world's heaviest working rocket, according to SpaceX.

Data source: SpaceX.

It has a capacity of 63,800 kilograms, substantially heavier than similar-type rockets.

The launch was delayed for weeks. Ahead of it, Musk was not very confident, saying "I would consider it a win if it just clears the pad."

Clearing the pad means the rocket doesn't blow up before lifting, like SpaceX rocket type Falcon 9 did in 2015.

(CGTN)