SpaceX performs Falcon 9 engine test
Posted: Mon, Nov 24, 2008, 7:12 AM ET (1212 GMT)
SpaceX carried out a successful full-length test of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle on Saturday night, scaring some Texas residents in the process. The test, carried out at around 11:30 pm EST Saturday (0430 GMT Sunday) at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas, was a 178-second "full mission-length" test using all nine Merlin 1C engines incorporated in the Falcon 9's first stage. The test startled residents in communities around the test site, including the nearby city of Waco, where dozens of people contacted local police about the test. SpaceX said it had notified people in McGregor itself about the test, and would provide wider warning of any future tests. The Falcon 9's first launch is planned for early 2009 from Cape Canaveral.
SpaceX carried out a successful full-length test of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle on Saturday night, scaring some Texas residents in the process. The test, carried out at around 11:30 pm EST Saturday (0430 GMT Sunday) at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas, was a 178-second "full mission-length" test using all nine Merlin 1C engines incorporated in the Falcon 9's first stage. The test startled residents in communities around the test site, including the nearby city of Waco, where dozens of people contacted local police about the test. SpaceX said it had notified people in McGregor itself about the test, and would provide wider warning of any future tests. The Falcon 9's first launch is planned for early 2009 from Cape Canaveral.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, March 13
Solar 'Current of Fire' Speeds Up
Science@NASA — 5:30 pm ET (2230 GMT) SpaceX Falcon 9 Roars To Life At Cape Canaveral
Florida Today — 5:29 pm ET (2229 GMT) Shuttle Valve Leak Could Push Back April 5 Launch
Florida Today — 5:28 pm ET (2228 GMT) SpaceX successfully tests main engines of its Falcon rocket
Huntsville Times — 5:28 pm ET (2228 GMT) Solar storms could wreak havoc with electronic systems
Sydney Morning Herald — 5:27 pm ET (2227 GMT) |