SpaceX chief says 1st launch of big new rocket will be risky

SpaceX's chief said Wednesday that the first launch of its big new rocket is risky and stands "a real good chance" of failure. Founder Elon Musk told a space station research conference Wednesday that he wants to set realistic expectations for the flight later this year from Cape Canaveral. The Falcon Heavy will have three boosters instead of one, and 27 engines instead of nine, all of which must ignite simultaneously. No one will be aboard the initial flights. When it comes time to add people, Musk said, "no question, whoever's on the first flight, brave." SpaceX plans to fly two paying customers to the moon late next year, using a Falcon Heavy. More

(Source: ABC News - Jul 20)