Fri, Jul 31, 2009
Milestone Passed in both MEOP And Structural Bending Tests
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) says they have
successfully completed qualification testing for the Falcon 9
launch vehicle first stage tank and interstage. Testing took place
at SpaceX’s Texas Test Site, a 300 acre structural and
propulsion testing facility, located just outside of Waco, Texas.
The milestone was announced Thursday
The first stage tank and interstage hardware were subjected to a
proof test of 1.1 times the maximum expected operating pressure
(MEOP), and a burst pressure proof test of 1.4 MEOP; qualifying
both articles with a 1.4 factor of safety. The 1.4 factor of safety
designation means that the first stage tank and the interstage can
withstand 140 percent the maximum internal pressure expected during
flight, and qualifies both pieces of hardware to meet human rating
safety requirements, as defined by NASA. The first stage also
passed this human rating milestone when subjected to structural
bending tests.
The testing regimen included over 150 pressurization cycles,
exceeding the number of required life cycles by more than 100. In
addition, the first stage and interstage were subjected to
stiffness tests, maximum dynamic pressure loading and main engine
cutoff conditions; all at expected values, as well as ultimate
loads.
Falcon 9
“Falcon 9 continues to pass qualification testing in
preparation for its first flight, scheduled for 2009,” said
Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. “All hardware was designed
to be man-rated, and these tests confirm that SpaceX is one step
closer to flying humans on the Falcon 9/Dragon system.”
Falcon 9’s first stage and interstage also passed ground
wind qualification tests, critical for when the vehicle is vertical
on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Both components were designed, built and tested by SpaceX.
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