Tag: Merlin
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Next-generation SpaceX rocket engine goes up in flames during Texas test
A Merlin rocket engine undergoes testing at SpaceX’s facility in McGregor, Texas. (SpaceX Photo) SpaceX says its next-generation Merlin rocket engine experienced a fiery anomaly during preparations for testing at its facility in McGregor, Texas, but the flare-up isn’t expected to have an effect on the company’s ambitious launch schedule. No injuries were reported in…
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Falcon 9 boost as Merlin 1D engine achieves major milestone
SpaceX’s Merlin 1D engine has achieved flight qualification status during its test program at the company’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. An enhanced design to the engines that have flown on the first five Falcon 9 launches, the Merlin 1D will debut on the first Falcon 9 v1.1 launch this summer. Merlin 1D: SpaceX’s…
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SpaceX joy at Merlin 1D test – Orbital fire up their AJ-26 engine
Two loud rumbles in the south of the United States marked two milestones for the country’s drive to regain its space flight independence, as SpaceX and Orbital both fired their new engines. SpaceX’s Merlin 1D rumbled for a full mission duration firing, while Orbital’s AJ-26 continued its testing ahead of its debut on their Antares launch…
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Elon Musk Q and A – Updates SpaceX status on Falcon and Dragon
Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies – commonly known as SpaceX – has given NASASpaceflight.com an exclusive interview, in which he updates the status of their Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, along with their push towards the debut of their Dragon manned spacecraft. Musk speaks candidly about the challenges involved with taking…
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SpaceX has magical goals for Falcon 9
Elon Musk, CEO of The Space Exploration Company – commonly known as SpaceX – has spoken about the improvements necessary at his Pacific island launch site in the US Army’s Kwajalein test range to support the Falcon 9, progress on the vehicle’s development, and work on the next generation of Merlin 1 engines. The Falcon…