Falcon Heavy launch: SpaceX rocket blast off delayed by an hour due to 'strong winds'

Elon Musk will send his cherry-red Tesla Roadster into space on the rocket
REUTERS
Ella Wills6 February 2018

Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket blast off has been delayed by almost an hour due to high winds.

The world's most powerful rocket Falcon Heavy stood ready for launch on its first test flight at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Tuesday.

Thousands have gathered at the space centre, and surrounding beaches and parks, to watch the Heavy soar with a sports car as cargo.

But strong gusts will keep it on the launch pad until 3.05pm EST (8.05pm GMT), SpaceX said.

Thousands have gathered at the space centre as liftoff is delayed
EPA

SpaceX tweeted the launch would be delayed "due to upper level wind shear".

"Continuing to monitor winds and will update as soon as info becomes available," it added.

Mr Musk tweeted: "Upper atmosphere winds currently 20 per cent above max allowable load. Holding for an hour to allow winds to diminish."

Crowds have settled in to watch the event from surrounding beaches and parks
REUTERS

Crowds began gathering at daybreak for the afternoon launch debut.

The Heavy stands on the same launch pad used by NASA nearly 50 years ago to send men to the moon.

It is set to become the world's most powerful rocket in use, with double the liftoff capacity.

Visitors have staked out spots near to the fishing pier at Jetty Park to watch the rocket launch (REUTERS)
Reuters

On board is SpaceX chief Elon Musk's cherry-red Tesla Roadster, which he hopes to put into a perpetual solar orbit reaching as far as Mars.

In the driver's seat of the convertible is "Starman," a dummy in a spacesuit, with one hand on the steering wheel.

David Bowie's "Space Oddity" will be playing on the soundtrack at liftoff.

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