Watch Elon Musk’s Emotional Reaction to the Successful Launch of His Recyclable Rocket, Falcon 9

Elon Musk dreamed of living on Mars decades ago, and much as he was likely ridiculed, he’s about to make that dream possible – along with self-driving, electric cars, solar rooftops, and a recycled rocket. National Geographic just released an unprecedented level of access to Elon and the team he gathered to create the world’s first recycled rocket. The Falcon 9 just recently successfully launched from Cape Canaveral.

Musk describes the Falcon 9 on SpaceX,

“Falcon 9’s simple two-stage configuration minimizes the number of separation events – and with nine first-stage engines, it can safely complete its mission in the event of an engine shutdown.”

Getting things (or people) to space is an expensive venture, and being able to use rockets more than once could cut the cost by millions of dollars. The Falcon 9 cost $60 million to make, but only $200,000 to fuel. Musk asserts that all but the external tank could be used again post-launch of his rocket.Musk also says that the rocket was meant from its inception, to deliver humans into space.

Musk already has plans to deliver us to Mars, and to start civilization there by building 4 colonies in distinct stages. First there would be some scouting missions, followed by the full-scale production of a fuel factory, a pioneering crewed mission, and then finally, 10,000 volunteers would set off for mars, that number being required, in Elon’s estimation, to prevent the negative effects of inbreeding.

“The first journey to Mars is going to be really very dangerous,” Musk said. “The risk of fatality will be high. There’s just no way around it,” but with the successful launch of the Falcon 9, at least we know the rocket would make it.

In this video you can see the 45-year-old, multi-billionaire Musk light up like a child getting his first toy. The emotional scope is palpable, and it’s a must see.

Featured image: Falcon 9 Space.com