Can the MacGregor test stand handle 27 Merlins? If not, where will they test it? Let me guess, Stennis?
Quote from: coach on 08/02/2008 07:20 amCan the MacGregor test stand handle 27 Merlins? If not, where will they test it? Let me guess, Stennis?Think people!There is no need to test 27 merlins. 9 engines on a core are part of the same proplusion system and interact with each other. Strapping 3 cores together (ala D-IV) does not necessitate a ground test since each core is a standalone system and don't interact with each other
"A second firing on August 1st completed a major NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) milestone almost two months early."This is confusing. From the COTS Milestones in the published agreement, there are Requirements, Design, and Readiness Reviews, and Financing milestones (and flights ) , but nothing about firing nine engines. Anyone know which particular milestone Elon is referring to?
After SpaceX had delayed the first cots demo to mid 2009 in february, NASA modified the Space Act agreement to include 4 new hardware milestones.