May 2, 2016, 11:22 AM 1:28 Space X's Falcon 9 rocket is seen as it lifts off from space launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., June 28, 2015, with a Dragon CRS7 spacecraft. Bruce Weaver/AFP/Getty Images SpaceX Rocket Launch and Recycling Test: What's at Stake The new metrics are only for expendable missions, according to Musk, meaning rockets the company tries to land back on Earth will have to carry 30 to 40 percent less payload. SpaceX also says the Falcon 9 can carry up to 8,860-pounds of cargo to Mars. The company gave an update on its Falcon Heavy rocket, which has yet to fly. The $90 million rocket, which has 27 Merlin engines, can launch up to 29,980-pounds on a journey to Mars. SpaceX announced last week the company is targeting its first Mars mission for 2018. Sponsored Content by Taboola