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SpaceX-TestStand

When SpaceX began building what would go its Merlin engine, it settled on a relatively simple pattern information technology could bring to market quickly and calibration upwardly over time. Over the last xi years, successive modifications to the base engine have introduced features like regenerative cooling, increased thrust, and improved vacuum performance. On Dominicus, while testing the next generation of Merlin intended for the Falcon nine Block 5 rocket, the visitor suffered a setback when one of its newest Merlin 1D engines blew up before firing in a qualification test. The skilful news is, no one was injured, though two of SpaceX's test stands were damaged in the explosion at the MacGregor, Texas facility.

"All safety protocols were followed during the time of this incident," said a company spokesman. "We are now conducting a thorough and fully transparent investigation of the root cause. SpaceX is committed to our current manifest, and nosotros do not expect this to have any impact on our launch cadence."

The base of a newer Falcon 9 v1.1 launch vehicle, with a circular arrangement of Merlin 1D engines

The base of a newer Falcon nine v1.ane launch vehicle, with a round organization of Merlin 1D engines

A source told Ars Technica the explosion occurred before the engine was fired and happened when liquid oxygen (LOX) was added to the engine to check for leaks. It's non clear why the engine ignited, only testing on the Block v Merlin 1D will apparently be suspended until the issue is stock-still. The problem shouldn't delay any of SpaceX'due south launches; the company'due south near-term and early 2018 missions were all scheduled to employ the Block four version of the Falcon 9 with its well-established Merlin 1D (improved) variant.

The Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket is slated to deploy a number of new capabilities when it launches next yr, including an improved flight control system to lower the amount of fuel required to successfully land the rocket, titanium, temperature-resistant fins (to aid with rocket reusability), a new thermal protection coating on the legs to limit reentry damage, a reusable heat shield, retractable landing legs, and a suite of other changes to win NASA's nod as a viable vehicle for its Commercial Crew Program as well as National Security Launch requirements.

Musk has actually pulled several improvements, similar uprated engines and the titanium grid fins into earlier generations of the Falcon nine Block iv. But the fact that SpaceX is going to reexamine its engine design, specifically, could hateful that the firm wanted to farther increase available thrust with the Block 5 engine, or that the explosion is related to other changes to the base of operations blueprint. Alternately, of class, it could have been a one-off issue caused by a defect in this specific engine. We should know more soon.