SpaceX suspends Falcon 9 launch due to upper stage landing anomaly
- September 29, 2024
- 0
SpaceX suspends rocket launches hawk 9 It was the second upper stage anomaly for the rocket in less than three months, due to a problem with the upper
SpaceX suspends rocket launches hawk 9 It was the second upper stage anomaly for the rocket in less than three months, due to a problem with the upper stage burn in eastern orbit during the crewed launch on September 28.
In a post on social networks SpaceX Early on September 29, it was reported that the upper stage “experienced an abnormal deorbit burn” during the mission. Crew-9It started on September 28. “As a result, the second stage landed safely in the ocean but outside the target area.”
The company did not provide additional details about the incident but said it would suspend launches for now. hawk 9. “Once we better understand the root cause, we will proceed with the launch.”
Ignition was designed to re-enter the upper stage, placing the stage over the uninhabited region of the South Pacific Ocean to avoid exiting the stage into orbit where it would pose a risk of orbital debris, and to prevent uncontrolled re-entry. Based on air and sea distress reports, the target entry point was east of New Zealand.
Launch the Danger Areas map for: #Crew-9 Dragon mission from CCSFS SLC-40 NET 28 Sep 17:17 UTC, alternatively based on NOTAM/NOTMAR messages issued from 29 to 01 Oct. LZ1 descent for B1085.2. Stage 2 debris reentry in the South Pacific. https://t.co/PUxYHzfJdA pic.twitter.com/bfamyWr0ib
— Raul (@Raul74Cz) September 24, 2024
This incident is the second problem regarding the upper stage. hawk 9 in less than three months. During startup starlink In late July, on 11 July, the single Merlin engine in the upper stage failed during restarting to return to orbit. The satellites were placed in low orbits, which caused the satellites to return soon after.
The investigation concluded that there was a liquid oxygen leak in the engine due to a crack in the pressure sensor line. The leak caused “supercooling of engine components,” including those supplying ignition fluid to the engine. This caused the engine to have difficulty restarting, which damaged the engine and resulted in loss of attitude control.
During launch in July, video of the first upper stage burn showed liquid oxygen leaking due to ice buildup on engine components. There were no signs of similar ice accumulation or other abnormal stage behavior during Crew-9’s launch, and neither SpaceX nor NASA mentioned any problems with the rocket at the post-launch press conference.
It is unclear how long SpaceX will suspend Falcon 9 launches. The incident in July halted Falcon 9 launches for 15 days, and the rocket returned to flight early on July 27. SpaceX also suspended launches for two days in late August after a launch vehicle was lost when it rolled over and exploded while landing on an unmanned ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
In both previous cases, SpaceX was required to obtain permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to proceed with launches after the accident investigation was completed or after receiving a public safety determination that the incident posed no risk to the public. The FAA did not immediately respond to questions about the early Sept. 29 incident.
This anomaly comes as SpaceX prepares for two operational launches in the coming weeks. One Falcon 9 is planned to be launched on October 7, along with the European Space Agency’s mission to the Hera asteroid. Falcon Heavy, whose upper part resembles the Falcon 9, is planned to launch NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft on October 10 at the earliest. Both missions have launch dates by the end of October.
Source: Port Altele
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