SpaceX's updated Merlin 1C rocket engine (it's now regeneratively cooled instead of ablatively cooled like the Merlin 1A used on Falcon 1's first two launch attempts) has just passed its qualification testing in McGregor, Texas. After a final "marathon run" of four full mission scenarios run in one day, the engine now has 27 minutes of operating time, enough to power ten complete space flights. The engine will now go into full-scale production mode, clearing the way for the Falcon 1 launch scheduled for Spring 2008.
Testing will continue on the Merlin 1C to qualify it for the higher performance and thrust levels required for the Falcon 9 vehicle. The Falcon 9, originally scheduled for its maiden flight at the end of this year, will now launch second first quarter 2009. This also pushes out the first demonstration of cargo transfer to the International Space Station, as part of NASA COTS program, to Spring 2010.
(And yes, the Falcon is named after the Millennium Falcon.)
The Falcon 1 uses one Merlin 1C engine for its first stage, while the Falcon 9 uses nine of them for its first stage, and one for its second stage.
When asked why the Falcon 9 launch was slipping six months, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said:
Still, if SpaceX can demonstrate safe cargo transfer to the International Space Station with their Dragon capsule by the time the Space Shuttle is retired near the end of 2010, they will be in a good position to win the competitively awarded re-supply contracts of the International Space Station that is part of Phase 2 of the NASA COTS program.
With Orbital now in the COTS competition with them however, we will have to see who will get to ISS first, the Cygnus or the Dragon...
SpaceX's Falcon 9 Delayed Six Months [Flight Global]
SpaceX Completes Qualification Testing of Merlin Regeneratively Cooled Engine for Falcon 1 Rocket[SpaceX]
See Also:
- SpaceX Passes NASA Review of Their Plans to Dock with Space Station
- SpaceX Breaks Ground on Commercial Space Launch Site
Image: SpaceX
