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SpaceX launch a success

Elon Musk's roadster was sent into space, complete with spacesuit passenger. (Credit: SpaceX, Screenshot: Axios)

The FalconHeavy launch was a success. Both boosters landed (perfectly in sync). The core appeared to run out of igniter on 2/3 engines, and hit the water at 300mph (stay tuned for possible video of the crash). Shrapnel from the crash seems to have damaged the droneship.

  • What's next: The final payload will deploy Musk's cherry-red Tesla roadster into a highly elliptical orbit around the sun. As of 7:00 PM, it was making its way through the Van Allen radiation belts, and in just a few hours will begin the final burn towards Mars.
  • Why it matters: It's a big step towards affordable, airplane-style space commerce. The FalconHeavy is less expensive than comparable rockets and can carry twice the weight of other rockets.

Note: This story has been updated with additional information about the core booster. More will be added as the payload is deployed into orbit.

Go deeper

Barak Ravid, author of from Tel Aviv
23 mins ago - World

Iran's nuclear dilemma: Ramp up now or wait for Biden

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

The world is waiting to see whether Iran will strike back at Israel or the U.S. over the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the architect of Iran's military nuclear program.

Why it matters: Senior Iranian officials have stressed that Iran will take revenge against the perpetrators, but also respond by continuing Fakhrizadeh’s legacy — the nuclear program. The key question is whether Iran will accelerate that work now, or wait to see what President-elect Biden puts on the table.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Rebecca Falconer
Updated 1 hour ago - Health

U.K. first nation to clear Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for mass rollout

A health care worker during the phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial by Pfizer and BioNTech in Ankara, Turkey, in October. Photo: Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The United Kingdom's government announced Wednesday it's approved Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, which "will be made available across the U.K. from next week."

Why it matters: The U.K. has beaten the U.S. to become the first Western country to give emergency approval for a vaccine that's found to be 95% effective with no serious side effects against a virus that's killed nearly 1.5 million people globally.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
3 hours ago - World

Biden says he won't immediately remove U.S. tariffs on China

President-elect Joe Biden during an event in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Trump's 25% tariffs imposed on China under the phase one trade deal will remain in place at the start of the new administration, President-elect Biden said in an interview with the New York Times published early Wednesday.

Details: "I'm not going to make any immediate moves, and the same applies to the tariffs," Biden said. He plans to conduct a full review of the current U.S. policy on China and speak with key allies in Asia and Europe to "develop a coherent strategy," he said.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow