SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed the Japanese billionaire who will become the world's first passenger to visit the Moon. During the event, he also discussed the design of SpaceX's next rocket, the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR) - which will not only take humans to the Moon but will also carry out missions to Mars.
Many changes have been made to the rocket's design since it was announced in September 2016. The latest change enabled the spacecraft to carry up to 100 tons of crew and cargo to Mars.
However, the rocket would need to be refueled in orbit, via a type of space tanker. He also showed a simulation of the vehicle landing on the surface of Mars.
“I can’t wait,” Musk at the event. “I’m proud of this. It’s amazing.”
Upon completion, this massive rocket will reach an astonishing height of approximately 118 meters. The BFR will be powered by 31 Raptor main engines that will provide a powerful thrust of 5,400 tons.
The overall design of the Big Falcon Rocket resembles a hybrid of a giant rocket booster and a large spacecraft that could comfortably accommodate up to 100 passengers.
The BFR is under construction at the Port of Los Angeles. Elon Musk confirmed that the company has already conducted a few tests on key components of the rocket, such as pressure tests of the propellant tanks and ignition tests on the Raptor engines.
The BFR is expected to launch its lunar mission by 2023.
