There are lots of challenges to overcome before that mission to Mars (previous two posts) becomes a reality, considering what Elon Musk said this summer about his Falcon Heavy. That's the rocket which was designed from the first to put humans on Mars.
About building that FH, he said, "It's way, way more difficult that we originally thought."
How hard can it be? Well, way hard:
"It requires the simultaneous ignition of 27 orbit class engines."
"Impossible to test on the ground"
"Heavy buffet"
"Aerodynamics totally change"
"Triple vibrations and acoustics"
"There's a real good chance that that vehicle does not make it to orbit [November launch]. Set expectations accordingly. I hope it makes it far enough away from the pad that it doesn't cause pad damage. I would consider even that a win, to be honest."
"Whoever's on the first flight . . brave."
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