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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

The payload capabilities of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets have increased [www.cbc.ca], and Falcon 9 will apparently be able to carry payloads to Mars:

A day after releasing the new video, SpaceX also announced upgraded capabilities for its rockets.

The Falcon 9 rocket, used on resupply missions to the space station, can now haul up to 22.8 tonnes into low-Earth orbit, up from 13.2. It will also be able to carry up to 8,300 kilograms into geosynchromous transfer orbit – a more distant orbit used for many communications satellites – and 4,020 kilograms to Mars.

And the new, bigger Falcon Heavy, set to debut later this year, will be able to launch 54.4 tonnes into low Earth orbit, 22.2 tonnes to geosynchronous transfer orbit, and 13.6 tonnes to Mars.

Also at The Register [theregister.co.uk]. SpaceX will deliver to Mars for under $100 million.

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