SpaceX poised to launch rocket with car on board

MIAMI - SpaceX is poised for the first test launch on Tuesday of its Falcon Heavy, which aims to become the world's most powerful rocket in operation, capable of reaching the moon or Mars some day.

The launch, scheduled for 1:30 pm from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is the most ambitious yet for SpaceX, and has been hailed by industry experts as a game-changer because of its potential to propel the California-based company to the very forefront of the modern day space race.

"NASA may decide to use it (the Falcon Heavy) as a way of fast-tracking its plans to get to the moon and Mars," said Erik Seedhouse, assistant professor of applied aviation sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.