A thorough investigation is underway after an experimental Merlin rocket engine developed by SpaceX exploded at the MacGregor facility in Texas. One of the nine Merlin rocket engines exploded during a test run despite safety protocols.
According to Ars Technica, SpaceX spokesman John Taylor said, "All safety protocols were followed during the right time of this incident. We are now conducting a thorough and fully transparent investigation of the root cause."
The explosion on Sunday, Nov. 5 was caused by the pouring of liquid oxygen into the engine to check for any leaks. The investigation will determine the sudden explosion was a result of the fluids igniting.
The Merlin rocket engine was developed for the Falcon 9 created to transport satellites and Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The nine Merlin engines are vital for the launch of the Falcon 9 as the first of the two-stage configuration of the rocket. Despite an engine shutdown, the nine Merlin engines can still boost the rocket so it can complete its mission. According to SpaceX, Falcon 9 will still be functional despite two engine shutdowns.
With the nine Merlin engines, the Falcon 9's burn time is 162 seconds and it packs 7,607 kilonewtons (kN) thrust at sea level and 8,227 kN thrust in vacuum. The Merlin engines will hold or limit the Falcon 9's acceleration with the burning of fuel decreasing the rocket's mass.
The goal of SpaceX with the Falcon 9 is to widen humanity's access to space and allow people to populate other planets. SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk's biggest objective is to allow people to live on Mars and be able to colonize the Red Planet. Speaking to National Geographic, Musk said, "This is not about everyone moving to Mars, this is about becoming multiplanetary."
