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The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is being fueled at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an indication that the company will attempt to test-firing nine first-stage Merlin 1C engines this afternoon.
Vapors can be seen coming from the 180-foot tall rocket and its launch umbilical tower has been pulled away from the vehicle.
The window for the test-flight earlier this week was 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with ignition targeted near the opening of the window.
But the test-firing today is expected to take place at 12:30 p.m.
An initial attempt Tuesday ended in an aborted countdown two seconds prior to ignition. A ground support helium pressurization valve failed to open, and the countdown automatically cutoff.
Stormy weather on Thursday and Friday prevented any attempt those days. The weather today appears to be good to go.
1 comment:
With projects like the SpaceX Falcon-9 and Virgin Galactic Spaceship One, it's great to witness how space is opening to an emerging private sector. Good luck for the April launch, SpaceX.
engine testing
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