SpaceX Inaugural Falcon 9 Static "Hot" Fire

collectspace 171 videos
1,061
views
1,061
views
collectspace | March 14, 2010

Presented by http://collectSPACE.com -- The Source for Space History and Arti...

collectspace | March 14, 2010

Presented by http://collectSPACE.com -- The Source for Space History and Artifacts.

On March 13, 2010, SpaceX completed a test firing of the inaugural Falcon 9 launch vehicle at Space Launch Complex 40 located at Cape Canaveral. Following a nominal terminal countdown, the launch sequencer commanded ignition of all 9 Merlin first stage engines for a period of 3.5 seconds.

Just prior to engine ignition, the pad water deluge system was activated providing acoustic suppression to keep vibration levels within acceptable limits. The test validated the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems as well as the ground and flight control software that controls pad and launch vehicle configurations. The completion of a successful static fire is the latest milestone on the path to first flight of the Falcon 9 which will carry a Dragon spacecraft qualification unit to orbit.

Video credit: SpaceX

Loading...
   
 
 
Alert icon
This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.
Sign In or Sign Up now!
Alert icon
Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!

Highest Rated Comments

  • I can't stop thinking about how in those few seconds the turbopumps sucked several tons of fuel and oxidizer out of the tanks, mixed it, ignited it, and accelerated the exhaust to a few kilometers per second. And that mere movement of mass will send this machine away from our planet.

  • Here is rooting for you SpaceX!

see all

All Comments (3)

Loading...

Suggestions

Loading more suggestions...
Loading...
Saving...
Alert icon