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    SpaceX test-launches the BFR before 2025

    Created by jzima on {{qctrl.question.created_time | dateStr}}.
    Community prediction hidden until {{qctrl.question.cp_hidden_period_ends_time | dateStr}}
    Published by jzima on {{qctrl.question.publish_time | dateStr}}.

    Question

    SpaceX's ultimate purpose always was to allow for the human colonization of Mars. While the company has existed since 2002, it was only in September of 2017 that Elon Musk announced the creation of a launch vehicle capable of bringing humans to the red planet, which he codenamed the "BFR".

    SpaceX currently plans to launch the BFR with Mars-bound cargo flights as early as 2022 (and plans to send humans to Mars in 2024), suggesting that the first test flight should take place prior to 2022.

    Yet, Elon Musk does not always stick to schedules, which can be clearly seen in the numerous delays of the Falcon Heavy, even though it seems quite likely now that the Falcon Heavy will test-launch in the near future.

    Therefore, it is asked: Will SpaceX launch a vehicle designed to bring at least 100 tones of payload into low earth orbit when used in a reusable manner before January 1st 2025 at 00:00 UTC?

    We shall define a "reusable manner" as at least 80% of the spacecraft's non-fuel non-payload mass being reusable.

    For a positive resolution the rocket must clear the towers by at least 1 km. (Note that the launch, not the tower clearing must occur before January 1st 2025 at 00:00 UTC. It should be extremely unlikely that this technicality will matter.)

    Resolution is by credible media report.

    Closing time for the question has been symbolically set to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings.

    Categories:
    Industry – Space
    Series — SpaceX
    Technology – Space

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