It Is Rocket Science: SpaceX Tests Another Engine In Central Texas
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
It Is Rocket Science: SpaceX Tests Another Engine In Central Texas
SpaceX has successfully test-fired another rocket engine at its facility in McGregor, although without the same window-rattling fire-in-the-sky effect of another weekend engine test last year.
width:200 and height: 163 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 163
(Photo courtesy of SpaceX)
Font Size:

MCGREGOR (March 10, 2009)—Space Exploration Technologies Corp. successfully test-fired its new Merlin Vacuum engine Saturday at its test facility in McGregor west of Waco, although without the same window-rattling fire-in-the-sky effect of another weekend engine test last year.

The engine fired for six minutes and consumed 100,000 pounds of liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene propellant, SpaceX said.

Read SpaceX Press Release

The engine powers the upper stage of the the company’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle and generated about 92,5000 pounds of force in vacuum conditions during the test.

“Specific impulse, or Isp, indicates how efficiently a rocket engine converts propellant into thrust,” said Tom Mueller, Vice President of Propulsion for SpaceX.

“With a vacuum Isp of 342 seconds, the new Merlin Vacuum engine has exceeded our requirements, setting a new standard for American hydrocarbon engine performance in space.”

NASA recently selected SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft to resupply the International Space Station after the shuttle fleet is retired in 2010.

The Falcon 9’s inaugural flight is scheduled later this year from the company’s launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Fla.

On Nov. 22, SpaceX fired the nine engines of the Falcon 9’s first stage for nearly three minutes at its McGregor facility.

The rocket generated 855,000 pounds of force at full power and the late-night test rattled windows and startled residents throughout much of Waco and the surrounding area.

SpaceX Web Site
More Stories
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Law Line
This free service can help you find answers to your legal questions about personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law and more.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Quality Process Director - Coryell Memorial Healthcare System in Gatesville - a community based facility: Join our team as the Quality Improvement Director where you will have a strong voice in all aspects of care, from patient care to employee safety. Apply today!

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.