Posted on 02/04/2008 6:44:41 PM PST by KevinDavis
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) conducted the first two-engine firing of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle on 18 January on a test stand outside McGregor, Texas.
The Merlin 1C gas-generator cycle, liquid oxygen/kerosene engines operated at full power, generating more than 180,000lb thrust (805kN) during the 14s run.
In the next test, scheduled for February, three engines will operate for a full first-stage burn time of 180s. The test series will continue with five, seven and finally the full complement of nine first-stage engines.
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
There’s word that they’re going to explosively deconstruct a turbopump during testing. Should be interesting to watch.
Well I’m glad they are making progress..
Nine? Uh-boy.
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