“It’s currently the most powerful rocket in the world,” said Ken Kremer with Space UpClose. “There were problems with this satellite so it was delayed about two years or so.”
The mission will put several satellites into orbit for the U.S. Space Force.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket flies into space from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Two of the boosters liftoff at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after the launch of SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.
“It’s a classified mission but it’s critical for U.S. national defense,” Kremer said.
After the launch, SpaceX plans to land and recover the rocket’s two side boosters.
Those will be refurbished and used for another Space Force launch later this year.
With the double booster landing back at the cape, residents nearby should hear twin sonic booms.
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