Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: BenLurkin
The explosion occurred during a "qualification test" of a Merlin engine...

I guess it failed the test..................

3 posted on 11/08/2017 2:38:18 PM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: Red Badger

Sunday’s explosion, which was first reported by The Washington Post, occurred before the engine was lit, a source told Ars. It happened during a procedure known as LOX drop, in which liquid oxygen is added to the engine to determine if there are any leaks. At that point, something caused the fluids within the rocket engine to ignite. Testing of the Block 5 Merlin engine will be suspended until the cause of that ignition is found and fixed.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/11/an-experimental-spacex-rocket-engine-has-exploded-in-texas/


5 posted on 11/08/2017 2:45:27 PM PST by Rio (Proud resident of the State of Jefferson)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies ]

To: Red Badger

Leak test involving LOX flow to a prototype 5 series engine. Oxygen reacted with something in the engine, as no fuel was involved in the test. Contaminant?


16 posted on 11/08/2017 6:26:06 PM PST by Ozark Tom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson