Today's test marked the first time SpaceX has flown its new, high-capacity rocket, which will allow the firm to send far higher payloads into orbit than the average launch.

Just a few hours after the launch, Musk offered another look inside the Roadster as it travels toward Mars orbit. On a stamp printed on the circuit board, the firm has written: 'Made on Earth by humans'

It followed months of delays and setbacks, with the company targeting an unprecedented level of reusability as part of its long-term plan to make commercial rocket flights cheaper.

SpaceX had previously said it planned to launch the Falcon Heavy a week after the rocket's first successful static test fire, which took place on January 24 after it was delayed by last month's US government shutdown. 

The January test marked the first time the huge rocket roared to life, with all 27 of its Merlin engines fired up simultaneously at launchpad 39A. As well as creating huge, billowing clouds of white smoke, the test fired off monstrous booms that could be heard up to three miles away.

'Falcon Heavy hold-down firing this morning was good. Generated quite a thunderhead of steam. Launching in a week or so,' Musk tweeted on January 24.

On January 5, the billionaire wrote on Instagram: 'Falcon Heavy now vertical on the former Apollo 11 moon rocket launchpad. At 2,500 tons of thrust, equal to 18 Boeing 747 aircraft at full throttle, it will be the most powerful rocket in the world by a factor of two. Excitement on launch day guaranteed, one way or another.

'Hold-down test fire next week. Launch end of the month.'  

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