After its recent success in launching and landing the Falcon 9 rocket on Monday, SpaceX reveals its newest goal: to launch three rockets at once.
The triple launch plan will be part of the Falcon Heavy project, where a large rocket made from three rockets will be strapped together. This will allow the rocket to fly farther and faster than its lightweight counterparts.
"SpaceX expects to fly Falcon Heavy for the first time later this year," the private space company owned by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk said in a statement pubslished by the Orlando Sentinel.
"We are also seeking regulatory approval to build two additional landing pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. We hope to recover all three Falcon Heavy rockets, though initially we may attempt drone ship landings."
According to a report from Orlando Sentinel, SpaceX is seeking federal permission for two landing sites in Florida. The goal is to return each booster to separate landing zones at its complex simultaneously.
Elon Musk confirmed the triple landing plan on Twitter, saying that two of the rockets would land simultaneously, while the third would arrive shortly after.
Can't wait to see all three cores of Falcon Heavy come back for landings! First two will be almost simultaneous. https://t.co/ryMiewZM4L
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 18, 2016
SpaceX's goal is to develop reusable and low-cost space transportation that will, eventually, enable an expedition to Mars.
The company has created the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles, including the Dragon spacecraft, which is commissioned by NASA to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Falcon Heavy launch will yet again mark another milestone for the company, The Verge reports. According to SpaceX, the Falcon Heavy will have more than 5 million pounds of thrust (comparable to18 Boeing 747's), and will be capable of lifting a heavier payload than any other rocket in history, apart from the decommissioned Saturn V and Apollo program.
Apart from the Falcon Heavy launch, SpaceX is also preparing for the launch of the first rocket that will return to space after its successful recovery, The CS Monitor reports.