SpaceX is evaluating two small cracks in a Falcon 9 rocket's upper stage engine nozzle, but a launch Wednesday after repairs is still possible, the company said this evening.
The company said the cracks were in a thin area -- twice the thickness of a soda can -- at the end of the 9-foot long Merlin vacuum engine nozzle that experiences little stress, is a relatively simple part of the engine and would not cause a flight failure.
The nozzle extension, made of niobium sheet alloy, provides a level of efficiency in vacuum that is not needed for the upcoming demonstration flight. It is most helpful for launching heavy satellites or launching payloads to more a distant destination, the company said.
Though not expected to create a flight risk, the cracks are being studied to make sure they don't represent a more serious problem.
"The most likely path forward is that we will trim off the thinnest portion of the nozzle extension, which is where the cracks are located, perform a thorough systems check and resume launch preparation," a SpaceX statement said.
A decision on whether to launch Wednesday launch is expected by Tuesday evening.
Click here to read the mission press kit distributed by SpaceX.
IMAGE: The upper stage Merlin engine firing during the maiden voyage of the Falcon 9. Credit: SpaceX.
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4 comments:
I haven't studied the Falcon 9 design in detail, but I'm surprised and impressed that it's possible to work on or even see a nine foot upper-stage engine nozzle on a stacked launch vehicle.
They have an inspection hole in the lower end of the interstage designed in for probably just these kinds of things. Atlas and Delta might have a similar thing.
LOL, I love this!! NASA builds a mobile launch tower for hundreds of millions of dollars before they even have a rocket to use it, then they cancel the rocket. Meanwhile, SpaceX rents a crane and bucket. Go SpaceX!!!
Crane, Bucket, and a bail out if they need it.
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