Posted on 03/10/2009 6:25:51 PM PDT by KevinDavis
New Merlin Vacuum engine demonstrates highest efficiency for an American hydrocarbon rocket engine.
McGregor, TX. – March 10, 2009 – Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully conducted a full mission duration firing of its new Merlin Vacuum engine on March 7, at SpaceX's Test Facility in McGregor, Texas. The engine fired for a full six minutes, consuming 100,000 pounds of liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene propellant.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacex.com ...
next step
It’s a launch engine but I really want to see long distance speed. Something that can get us to pluto in 5 years or less would be great.
That’s one hell of a Carbon footprint !
What’s the SUV CO2 equivalent ?
How many Gore Airplane trips is this ?
Now... THAT... is some thrust.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.