Engine Problems Delay Falcon 9’s Historic Launch

Engine Problems Delay Falcon 9’s Historic Launch


Before it could slip the surly bonds of earth and dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings, SpaceX’s Falcon 9’s early morning launch was unfortunately scrapped by Nasa today due to higher than normal pressure readings in its number five engine.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 aborted its launch May 19 moments after its engines ignited when computers detected higher pressure readings than allowed. The centre engine pressure built above limits and a shutdown occurred one-half second before liftoff, SpaceX officials said.

Before the spacecraft makes another launch attempt — so it can rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station — the Falcon 9 will be moved off the launch pad and returned to its hangar where the engine can be thoroughly inspected. And if engineers do discover a problem, the engine will be swapped out with a backup so the Falcon 9 can make another launch attempt as early as Tuesday morning if all goes well. [NASA via Dvice]

Image by SpaceX


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