SpaceX Fires a Car to Mars on World's Most Powerful Rocket

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Displayed on the dashboard screen, the firm has written comically: Don't Panic.

And, as promised, David Bowie's 1971 Life on Mars could be heard playing in the background.

Afterpushing back the launch time twice today due to wind speeds, the massive rocket launched at 3:45 p.m. ET, just before the launch window was set to close. Above, a view of the main module can be seen just after the side boosters split off

After pushing back the launch time twice today due to wind speeds, the massive rocket launched at 3:45 p.m. ET, just before the launch window was set to close. Above, a view of the main module can be seen just after the side boosters split off

TheSpaceX team confirmed immediately after launch that the massive rocket was operating according to plan. Just minutes later, it prepared for its side boosters to split off from the central core, as seen above

The SpaceX team confirmed immediately after launch that the massive rocket was operating according to plan. Just minutes later, it prepared for its side boosters to split off from the central core, as seen above

Now, the cherry red car attached to the rocket's main module is on its way to Earth-Mars orbit.

‘Upper stage restart nominal, apogee raised to 7000km,’ Musk tweeted shortly after the launch, confirming its success.

‘Will spend 5 hours getting zapped in Van Allen belts & then attempt final burn for Mars.’

The SpaceX CEO also shared an update on Starman’s journey beyond Earth.

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