PayPal millionaire’s rocket making 1st test flight, future launches destined for space station

PayPal millionaire’s rocket making 1st test flight

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A millionaire’s newest rocket is set to blast off from Cape Canaveral on a test flight.

Space Exploration Technologies’ Falcon 9 rocket will attempt to carry a mock-up of its Dragon capsule into orbit on Friday.

NASA wants to use Falcons and Dragons to haul cargo to the International Space Station beginning next year, once the shuttles quit flying. Company chief Elon Musk said Thursday that astronauts could follow within three years of his company getting a contract.

The co-founder of PayPal says this maiden voyage stands a 70 percent to 80 percent of success. That’s better than the historic 50-50 average for a first launch.