SpaceX aims to launch Falcon Heavy rocket on Tuesday

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The planned second launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket has been plagued by delays. Originally scheduled for Sunday, SpaceX  has postponed the launch to Tuesday, April 9.  The launch window opens at 6:36 p.m. ET. 

Industry insiders said a four-day turnaround would be a hustle but still achievable. On Friday, Elon Musk tweeted that a test of the Falcon Heavy's 27 engines looked good -- the test involves a static fire which ignites them for about four seconds. 

A planned static fire test on Thursday ended up being a "no go," so they had their eyes set on a Friday morning window which opened at 10 a.m.  Storms in the area raised concerns, so it was put on hold again. Then, at noon, it happened.

SpaceX followers said they expected more noise, but witnesses at Jetty Park did hear a low rumble and saw just a little smoke rising.  When Falcon Heavy blasts off, Sharon Heimritz will be watching.

“I don’t miss them,” Heimritz said.

And Sharon is not alone. Tens of thousands of people are expected to watch from Space Coast. The reason there is so much buzz about this launch is, it’s the first operational mission of Falcon Heavy. 

Last year, SpaceX conducted a demonstration, launching a Tesla roadster into orbit, piloted by the “Starman” mannequin. This time, a paying customer is using the rocket to send a satellite into orbit. That satellite will provide television, cell phone and internet service to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. For America, this is symbolic of our commercial space renaissance. 

“This one is going to have three boosters coming down, you’ll be able to see that, two will go down to Patrick Air Force Base, the other one here so we should be able to see those too and hear the booms,” Heimritz said.

Tuesday’s launch window is subject to change. Stay with The News Station for updates.