https://twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1565513892679372800QuoteAn interesting end to this Raptor 2.? test @SpaceX McGregor yesterday. Whatever is was, it sure ended with a BANG! SpaceX loves testing the Raptor to the extreme on the tripod stand. 🚀🔥See it in 4K and subscribe at http://tinyurl.com/jswartzYT🎦 Me for WAI Media @FelixSchlang
An interesting end to this Raptor 2.? test @SpaceX McGregor yesterday. Whatever is was, it sure ended with a BANG! SpaceX loves testing the Raptor to the extreme on the tripod stand. 🚀🔥See it in 4K and subscribe at http://tinyurl.com/jswartzYT🎦 Me for WAI Media @FelixSchlang
The shock diamonds are clearly visible for the first 5 seconds or so then seem to suddenly "stretch" as I assume they throttle the Raptor up. My impression is the stretching continues very slowly for the next 30 seconds but what I think are the diamonds seem very blurry. What's up with that?
Technically, you won’t have shock diamonds if the exit pressure is identical to atmospheric pressure.
On the topic of intentional test to destruction, what are the likely candidate methods to cause such?No obvious green flash so probably not running lean/oxygen richI would not expect running fuel rich to be much of a problem unless it somehow caused stability issues?Slow pressure boost of the turbo pump(s)? The perceived 30 second creeping stretch until BOOM might support that.Holding tongue wrong Something else?
That was one very nicely contained kaboom. No secondaries coming from the stand. No leaks. Looks like the new containment cans are doing their jobs.
The cows of McGregor have nearly become oblivious to the daily barrage of explosions, firings, other projects SpaceX's test facility is known for. Watch as multiple Raptor engines are tested to failure while these adorable creatures continue to graze the Texas fields.Video and Pictures from Adam (@AdamCuker) and McGregor Live. Edited by Brady (@TheFavoritist).All content copyright to NSF. Not to be used elsewhere without explicit permission from NSF.
SpaceX in McGregor, TX tested 10 different static engine fires today for a total of 875 seconds. This included Raptor 2, Merlin, M/Vac, Stage 2, and SuperDraco engines. Watch LIVE or Recorded at: http://nsf.live/mcgregor #Raptor #Merlin #SuperDraco@NASASpaceflight
SpaceX's Vertical Raptor Stand Enables Rapid Test FiringsNASASpaceflight25 Sept 2022SpaceX test fires every single engine they produce in order to ensure a safe mission for its many payloads. For Raptor 2s, a commonly used stand is the vertical Raptor test stand. With two seperate testing bays, engines can be fired and swapped out in rapid succession for eventual fitment onto a Booster or Starship. Stands like these are crucial to getting Starship orbital as soon as possible.Video and Pictures from Adam (@AdamCuker), Gary Blair, and McGregor Live. Edited by Brady (@TheFavoritist).All content copyright to NSF. Not to be used elsewhere without explicit permission from NSF.
Falcon static fire coming up at McGregor.nsf.live/mcgregor
SpaceX completed today a 77 second static fire test of B1076, a Falcon booster, at their McGregor Test and Development Facility in Texas. If data looks good, it'll be transported to Florida for its first flight. Replay with commentary: nsf.live/mcgregor
This booster will begin its career in November as a Falcon 9 booster but will eventually fly as a Falcon Heavy side booster on the Echostar XXIV mission currently scheduled for launch in Q1 2023.
Raptor roars at sunrise! Beautiful early morning test from vertical stand with wind pushing exhaust back. Nice little surprise at the end 😉 Go checkout the replay on the pano cam for full effect at nsf.live/mcgregor@NASASpaceflight