For any brown pelicans taking the afternoon sun on Florida's Merritt Island, the ignition of the 27 rocket engines at the base of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy must have come as a shock. To the expectant crowds, it was no surprise but a nonetheless riveting debut performance. SpaceX boss Elon Musk had downplayed expectations in advance of the demonstration flight, saying "I would consider it a win if it just clears the pad", but promised followers an exciting launch either way. And it was certainly that.