Italy Set to Lead in Europe’s Space
Century, Says EU Commissioner (Source: Decode 39)
During a parliamentary hearing in Rome, EU Defence and Space
Commissioner Andrius Kubilius praised Italy’s leadership in space
policy and its efficient use of EU funds. With a focus on strategic
autonomy, the visit highlighted Italy’s ambition to be at the core of
Europe’s space future. The former Lithuanian prime minister hailed
Italy as an effective example of how to use EU funding in the aerospace
sector. (5/26)
Musk's Mars Timeline Slips (Source:
Investor's Business Daily)
Elon Musk plans to send the first Starships to Mars by 2026, according
to a September 2024 social media post. At the time, he planned to send
the first crewed flights to Mars by 2028, with the goal of establishing
a self-sustaining city by 2044. However, that timeline has been
delayed. Musk in 2016 aimed to send humans to Mars by 2024. SpaceX's
launch cadence for the next three flights will be faster, according to
Musk: one every three to four weeks. (5/28)
SpaceX May Have Solved One Problem
Only to Find More on Latest Starship Flight (Source: Ars
Technica)
During the rocket's two previous test flights—each using an upgraded
"Block 2" Starship design—problems in the ship's propulsion system led
to leaks during launch, eventually triggering an early shutdown of the
rocket's main engines. On both flights, the vehicle spun out of control
and broke apart. The good news is that that didn't happen on Tuesday.
The ship's main engines fired for their full duration, putting the
vehicle on its expected trajectory toward a splashdown in the Indian
Ocean.
The bad news is that Tuesday's test flight revealed more problems,
preventing SpaceX from achieving the most important goals Musk outlined
going into the launch. Musk noted that leaks caused the a loss of main
tank pressure during the coast and reentry phase of the flight and that
there is a lot of "good data" to review.
Most notable among the flight's unmet objectives was SpaceX's desire to
study the performance of the ship's heat shield, which includes
improved heat-absorbing tiles to better withstand the scorching
temperatures of reentry. SpaceX officials hope the new tiles will be
more robust than the ones flown on the first-generation, or Block 1,
version of Starship, allowing future ships to land and quickly launch
again, without the need for time-consuming inspections, refurbishment,
and in some cases, tile replacements. (5/28)
Super Heavy Booster Lost Before Soft
Landing in Gulf (Source: Ars Technica)
SpaceX decided against a launchpad return for a few reasons. First,
engineers programmed the booster to fly at a higher angle of attack
during its descent, increasing the amount of atmospheric drag on the
vehicle compared to past flights. This change should reduce propellant
usage on the booster's landing burn, which occurs just before the
rocket is caught by the launch pad's mechanical arms, or "chopsticks,"
on a recovery flight.
During the landing burn itself, engineers wanted to demonstrate the
booster's ability to respond to an engine failure on descent by using
just two of the rocket's 33 engines for the end of the burn, rather
than the usual three. Instead, the rocket appeared to explode around
the beginning of the landing burn before it could complete the final
landing maneuver.
Editor's Note:
I've heard that the intense vibration during these launches is the
primary culprit leading to a cascade of related failure scenarios for
both the booster stage and the Starship stage, especially with their
engine plumbing. (5/28)
After 9 Starship Launches, Some Have
Been More Successful Than Others (Source: Fox Business)
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9 ended in failure — and it is not the
company’s only one. Since its first launch in April 2023, SpaceX has
seen a mix of failed and successful launches. While not every launch is
a success, the company often says that "success comes from what we
learn." Click here.
(5/28)
Embry-Riddle Welcomes Five New
Ventures to Research Park (Source: ERAU)
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is pleased to announce five new
innovative partners at its state-of-the-art Research Park facility,
located adjacent to the university’s Daytona Beach Campus in Volusia
County, Florida, a short distance from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport.
The companies focus on a range of aerospace and space business
opportunities. Click here. (5/27)
https://news.erau.edu/headlines/intersection-innovation-economic-development-embry-riddle-new-partners-expanding-research-park
Gravitational Lasers: The Secret
Experiment That Could Launch the Future (Source: Dimitrios
Karras)
In a quiet laboratory north of Moscow, a physicist named Dr. Eugene
Podkletnov may have done the unthinkable: aimed gravity like a beam—and
fired it. Using a spinning superconducting disc inside a high-voltage
discharge chamber, Podkletnov claims to have created a "gravitational
impulse"—a directed burst of force that penetrates walls, floors, and
barriers with no detectable loss of energy.
According to his reports, this impulse was strong enough to knock over
objects nearly a kilometer away. Thirty years ago, Dr. Podkletnov
developed a gravitational shield using high-speed rotating
superconductors. Now he’s testing a new device that he claims will
generate better results. (5/28)
FSU InSPIRE Working to Grow the
Aerospace Industry in Northwest Florida (Source: WJHG)
The aerospace industry is booming in Bay County as several industry
leaders continue to bring their technology to the Panhandle. Grey Dodge
was the featured speaker at the Bay Economic Development Alliance
meeting on Wednesday. He represented FSU’s InSPIRE Initiative.
FSU InSPIRE is aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth in
Northwest Florida. It focuses on high-speed aerodynamics, advanced
manufacturing, and STEM education. The initiative includes development
and strategic partnerships with industry and workforce development
programs to keep local talent working in Bay County. (5/7)
Spaceport America Welcomes Sirius
Technologies as Tenant (Source: Spaceport America)
Innovative Space Carrier Inc. (ISC), a space startup based in Tokyo,
Japan, and its United States subsidiary, Sirius Technologies, Inc.,
announced the signing of an operational lease at Spaceport America. The
two-year lease allows ISC and its Colorado-based subsidiary and
technology and development arm, Sirius, to test and develop its launch
vehicles and rocket motor operations. ISC/Sirius plans to produce a
reusable launch vehicle suitable for testing various launch and landing
techniques before shifting focus to the creation of its
single-stage-to-orbit (SSO) launch vehicle. (5/27)
Space Force Orders Two New GPS
Satellites From Lockheed Martin (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force has ordered two more GPS 3 satellites from
Lockheed Martin. The $509.7 million award announced Wednesday covers
GPS 3F satellites 21 and 22, scheduled for delivery in 2031. The order
was placed under an existing 2018 contract that allows for up to 22
spacecraft. With this procurement, the Space Force has now exercised
options for 12 satellites with a total contract value of $4.1 billion.
The GPS 3F satellites offer enhanced anti-jamming capabilities,
improved accuracy and additional features such as an upgraded nuclear
detonation detection payload and a next-generation search-and-rescue
package. (5/29)
SpaceX Set for Rapid-Callup GPS Launch
(Source: Space News)
Another GPS satellite is scheduled to launch this week on a
rapid-callup mission. The GPS 3 SV08 spacecraft is set to launch Friday
on a Falcon 9 after the Space Force announced in April it reassigned
the launch to SpaceX from United Launch Alliance. Space Force officials
said Wednesday the mission was executed on an unusually accelerated
timeline, with launch planning starting in February, far shorter than
the typical timeline of 18 to 24 months for a national security
mission. Those officials said they accelerated the launch of this
satellite to get the more advanced GPS satellites into orbit as
electronic interference with navigation signals becomes a growing
concern. (5/29)
F-4 Phantoms Sought By Private Space
Launch Company Starfighters International (Source: TWZ)
The Kennedy Space Center-based research, test, and now space launch
company Starfighters International, which has been flying F-104
Starfighters privately for decades is now, is in the process of
acquiring a dozen F-4 Phantoms. The deal would see the iconic
third-generation Cold War fighters fly primarily in service of the
firm’s space launch operations, which aim to provide rapid and flexible
access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for small satellites, as well as
suborbital offerings. (5/28)
China Launches Asteroid Sample Mission
(Source: Space News)
China launched its first asteroid sample return mission Wednesday.
Tianwen-2 lifted off on a Long March 3B rocket at 1:31 p.m. Eastern
from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Tianwen-2 is headed for the
near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, arriving in July 2026. The
spacecraft spent seven months studying the asteroid, 40 to 100 meters
across, collecting samples that it will return to Earth in late 2027.
Tianwen-2 will then spend the next six years going to the comet
311P/PANSTARRS. (5/29)
NASA Solves Psyche Asteroid Probe's
Thruster Glitch (Source: Space News)
NASA's Psyche asteroid mission is back on track after switching
propellant lines. The spacecraft's electric thrusters stopped in early
April after pressure dropped in a line feeding them with xenon
propellant. NASA said Wednesday that engineers concluded a component in
a valve in that line was not working properly, blocking the flow of
propellant. NASA is switching to a backup line that will allow the
electric thrusters to resume operation by mid-June. Psyche is headed to
the asteroid of the same name, arriving in 2029. (5/29)
China Launches Earth Observation
Satellite (Source: China Daily)
China launched an Earth observation satellite early Thursday. A Long
March 4B lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 12:12
a.m. Eastern and put the Shijian-26 satellite into orbit. Chinese media
said the satellite, jointly developed by several organizations, will
perform land survey and environmental protection services. Shijian
satellites are typically experimental satellites, often with military
applications. (5/29)
SpaceX Launches Wednesday Starlink
Mission at Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: Florida Today)
SpaceX launched more Starlink satellites from Florida Wednesday. A
Falcon 9 launched from the Kennedy Space Center at 9:30 a.m. Eastern,
putting 27 Starlink satellites into orbit. The booster for this launch
completed its 19th flight. (5/28)
South Korea's Unastella Launches
Suborbital Rocket (Source: Maeil Business)
A South Korean startup with human spaceflight ambitions has performed
the first private launch from the country. Unastella launched its Una
Express 1 suborbital rocket Wednesday, reaching an altitude of 10
kilometers. The launch was a test of engine technologies planned for a
larger vehicle, including one that would carry people on suborbital
flights to 100 kilometers altitude. (5/29)
Japan's Space One and Space BD to
Launch Optical Imaging Satellite for Military (Source: Space
News)
Two Japanese companies won a contract to launch a satellite for Japan's
military. Space One and Space BD said Wednesday they received a
contract from the Japan Ministry of Defense for the launch of an
optical imaging satellite built by Canon Electronics. The companies did
not disclose the planned launch date or value of the award. Space BD
will be responsible for the overall launch services, with Space One
conducting the launch using its Kairos rocket. That rocket failed in
its first two launch attempts last year, but company officials say they
will attempt another launch in the near future. (5/29)
China's Space Epoch Launches Reusable
Rocket (Source: Space News)
A Chinese launch startup performed a vertical takeoff and splashdown
test of a reusable rocket. Sepoch, also known as Space Epoch, launched
its Yuanxingzhe-1 (YXZ-1) verification rocket from the Haiyang
spaceport in China's Shandong province at 4:40 p.m. Eastern Wednesday.
The rocket flew to an altitude of 2.5 kilometers before performing a
controlled descent and soft splashdown in waters just off the coast
from the spaceport. Sepoch called the flight a "complete success" and
sets the company up to attempt a first full flight of YXZ-1, also known
as Hiker-1, later this year. Hiker-1 is designed to be reusable and
carry up to 10,000 kilograms of payload to low Earth orbit. (5/29)
Sierra Space Awarded Lunar Logistics
Contract by NASA (Source: Sierra Space)
Sierra Space has won a significant contract from NASA to study the use
of Sierra Space’s expandable space station technology on the moon. The
purpose of this contract will be to ultimately develop innovative
solutions for lunar surface logistics and mobility supporting NASA’s
Moon-to-Mars Architecture.
The contract, under the NextSTEP-2 Appendix R for Lunar Logistics and
Mobility Studies, positions Sierra Space at the forefront of verticals
including logistical carriers; logistics transfer; staging, storage,
and tracking; trash management; and integrated strategies. This
includes everything from the potential use of Sierra Space’s inflatable
LIFE habitat technology for tunnels around a moon base to tracking and
storage of goods on the moon, as well as integration of the entire
framework for habitation on the lunar surface. (5/28)
A Passing Star Could Fling Earth Out
of Orbit (Source: Science News)
Bad news, earthlings. Computer simulations of the solar system’s future
reveal a new risk facing us all: The gravitational tug of a passing
star could either cause another planet to smack into Earth or else
fling our planet into the sun or far away from it, where any
inhabitants would freeze. Blame Mercury. Astronomers have long known
that the innermost planet’s orbit, which is fairly oval-shaped, can
become even more elliptical due to gravitational jiggles from Jupiter.
Passing stars exacerbate this danger. (5/28)
China Builds Satellite Constellations
to Enable Smart Connectivity From Space (Source: Xinhua)
With four new satellites launched this month to expand the Tianqi
constellation, China is accelerating a presence in low-Earth orbit to
support its surging demand for smart device connectivity. Following
SpaceX's lead, an increasing number of Chinese aerospace firms have
begun constructing Starlink-style satellite networks over the past
years. Some of these commercial space firms are specifically targeting
the development of critical digital infrastructure for IoT (Internet of
Things) connectivity. (5/28)
Chinese Lunar Probe Shifts to Complex
Orbit in World First (Source: Xinhua)
China's Tiandu-1 satellite has become the first probe to enter a
special Earth-moon resonant orbit, scientists announced on Tuesday. The
spacecraft successfully completed an orbital maneuver on May 22,
entering what scientists call a "3:1 Earth-moon resonant orbit" after a
week of testing.
The petal-like intricate orbit allows Tiandu-1 to complete three
circuits around Earth for every one orbit by the moon, creating a
regular pattern of movement between the two celestial bodies. This
orbit has special mechanical properties that require relatively low
energy to maintain, according to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory.
(5/28)
China is Quietly Preparing to Build a
Gigantic Telescope (Source: Science)
High on the Tibetan Plateau, China appears to be laying the groundwork
for what will be the largest optical telescope in the Northern
Hemisphere—and perhaps briefly, in the world. But to the puzzlement of
some astronomers, China has been keeping a tight lid on plans for its
14.5-meter Large Optical Telescope (LOT), with only glancing references
in a handful of abstracts and Chinese media reports.
“As far as I can tell, it’s real. And it will certainly put China in
the big leagues,” says Robert Kirshner, a cosmologist at Harvard
University and executive director of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT),
one of two massive U.S.-led optical telescopes undergoing design review
and at least a decade away from first light. (5/28)
Vulnerabilities Found in NASA’s Open
Source Software (Source: HelpNet)
Juranić, whose AppSec credentials include founding and leading
DefenseCode, is no stranger NASA: in 2009, he discovered and reported a
number of serious vulnerabilities in NASA’s Common Data Format (CDF)
software library, which ended up getting fixed by the developers.
His latest probing of NASA-developed open source software was limited
to 4 hours of manual code analysis, but nevertheless unveiled a slew of
vulnerabilities. He discovered a stack-based buffer overflow
vulnerabilities in NASA’s Portable Environment for Quick Image
Processing (QuIP), then decided to look for more of them in similar
tools used by the agency. (5/27)
The Secrets of Replica NASA Spacesuit
Hardware (Source: Adam Savage)
Adam heads to Chris Gilman's workbench in his shop to learn how Chris
machines and builds replica Apollo spacesuit hardware that can even
work with real NASA parts! From neckrings to connector fittings, Adam
gets his hands on both real and replica parts that go above and beyond
the demands of specialty costuming. Click here. (5/27)
Signs of Water on Mars’ Surface Might
Not Be What We Thought (Source: BGR)
For years, scientists have been intrigued by mysterious dark streaks
running down the slopes of Martian cliffs and craters. These marks,
called slope streaks and recurring slope lineae (RSLs), have often been
considered possible signs of water on Mars. That raised hopes that the
Red Planet could support life or may have supported life in the past.
But new research is challenging that idea. A team used artificial
intelligence to analyze over 86,000 high-resolution satellite images of
the Martian surface. Their findings suggest that wind and dust, not
water, are likely responsible for the streaks. The researchers trained
an algorithm to identify slope streaks, then compared their locations
with environmental data such as wind speed, temperature, and dust
patterns. They found no link between the streaks and moisture, frost,
or any other clear signs of water on Mars. (5/27)
Overcoming Conservatism in the
Autonomous Space Revolution (Source: Space News)
The space industry has reached an inflection point where operational
demands are beginning to outpace traditional control methods. As
satellite constellations grow larger and missions become more complex,
autonomy shifts from luxury to necessity.
Breaking this cycle requires a dual approach: rigorous ground testing
followed by incremental in-space validation. Advanced test facilities —
where zero gravity motion and the harsh conditions of space can be
replicated in controlled on-ground test environments – provide crucial
stepping stones between simulation and actual deployment. (5/28)
A New Nuclear Rocket Technology Takes
Another Step Forward (Source: Universe Today)
NASA's DRACO Program, the standard-bearer for NTP systems, provides a
specific impulse of around 900 seconds, about double a traditional
chemical rocket, but half that of most ion thrusters. To increase that
number even further, researchers at the University of Alabama at
Huntsville and The Ohio State University have been working on a novel
configuration of NTP called the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket
(CNTR) that promises almost to double the specific impulse of
traditional NTP systems while maintaining similar thrust levels. (5/27)
Enpulsion Unveils Nexus, Its Most
Powerful Electric Propulsion System to Date (Source: Space News)
Enpulsion, a global leader in electric propulsion systems for small
satellites, announces the launch of Nexus, its most advanced propulsion
system to date. Designed for spacecraft up to 500 kilograms, Nexus
delivers significantly increased thrust and enhanced orbit-raising
capabilities, addressing the growing demand for responsive,
high-performance electric propulsion in smallsat missions. (5/27)
Prostheses Fit to Fly! (Source:
ESA)
The performance of a lower limb prosthesis has been evaluated in
microgravity conditions for the first time during the latest ESA
parabolic flight campaign on the ‘Zero G’ aircraft. European Space
Agency astronaut reserve John McFall tested his prosthetic hardware in
microgravity by squatting, walking and running on a treadmill. The team
assessed the performance of the prosthetic hardware in repeated periods
of microgravity during over 90 parabolas across 3 flights. (5/27)
The Real Golden Dome Opportunity –
Defense Acquisition Reform (Source: Space News)
The Golden Dome is ambitious, alluring and amorphous. Many defense
pundits have asked “What exactly is Golden Dome?” They are right to
ask. The system of systems that will bring additional layered
capability and capacity into the missile defense architecture under the
Golden Dome is still undefined in any traditional military requirement
process. Skeptics cite this as a reason for suspicion and scorn.
Nonetheless, the Golden Dome represents an opportunity to tangibly
improve homeland missile defense, while also driving changes in how the
Department of Defense should acquire new capabilities and integrate
commercial solutions. It is not a coincidence that the Trump
administration is concurrently pushing defense acquisition reform and
the Golden Dome along similar paths with his Executive Orders, the
program’s robust Congressional support, the support of individuals
within the Department of Defense empowered to implement change. (5/27)
Hughes Expands Florida Ties to NASA HQ
(Source: Florida Politics)
Brian Hughes isn’t the only high-profile hire at NASA to claim strong
ties to Florida. The administration just tapped University of Central
Florida space czar Greg Autry to serve as NASA’s Chief Financial
Officer. As it happens, the administration takes over a Florida heavy
leadership team for NASA under former President Joe Biden. Isaacman
will succeed former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a former U.S.
Senator for Florida.
After Nelson stepped down following Trump’s election, Kennedy Space
Center Director Janet Petro took over as Acting NASA Administrator.
Hughes will succeed Suzie Perez Quinn as NASA Chief of Staff.
Quinn, a University of South Florida alumnus, previously served as
Nelson’s Chief of Staff in the Senate. (5/27)
No Injuries Reported After Storm
Damages NASA Facility in Huntsville (Source: WAFF)
Redstone Arsenal officials confirmed that Tuesday night’s storms
heavily damaged NASA’s Building 4604. Officials say initial assessments
indicate severe damage to the exterior of the building. Fortunately,
the facility was unoccupied during the storm, and no injuries were
reported.
Officials said everything in the building was old property being
processed for disposal, including old furniture, dated equipment, etc.
We are grateful that no one was injured during this severe weather
event. Our team is working diligently to assess the damage and ensure
the safety of all personnel on Redstone Arsenal. We are coordinating
closely with our NASA partners to address this situation. (5/27)
South Africa Not Giving ‘Special
Dispensation’ to Musk’s Starlink, Minister Says (Source: CNBC)
South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said on Tuesday
that his proposed draft policy that recognizes alternatives to Black
ownership requirements was not only meant for Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Last Friday, Malatsi’s department proposed the recognition of so-called
“equity equivalent” investment programs in the information and
communication technology sector, which could encourage SpaceX’s
Starlink and other communications companies to operate in the country.
(5/27)
Battle Over Space Command HQ Location
Heats Up as Lawmakers Press New Air Force Secretary (Source: Fox
News)
Years after the first Trump administration moved to designate Alabama
as the home of a permanent Space Command headquarters (HQ), the
political tug-of-war for the base continues. Colorado Republicans are
urging the president to rethink the decision while Alabama lawmakers
insist it will and should move forward. After his May 13 confirmation,
new Air Force Secretary Troy Meink can now expect a lot of calls from
Capitol Hill pulling him in different directions over the HQ. (5/27)
Korea’s Samsung Wants to Become Part
of the Space Industry (Source: Space & Defense)
Korean consumer electronics and appliance company Samsung wants to
become part of the space industry. The Korea Economic Daily newspaper
reports Samsung plans to start manufacturing space infrastructure and
components. Subsidiary Samsung Construction and Trading Corporation has
begun an early start research and development project. Among other
things, it is examining building a rocket launch pad. The company is in
joint venture talks Seoul National University’s Department of Aerospace
Engineering about the project.
South Korea is one of the few countries capable of transferring its
manufacturing strengths from semiconductors and nuclear power to
offshore plants into the space industry,” said Seoul National
University Professor of Aerospace Park Hyeong-jun.
Other Samsung companies have begun hiring space scientists. Earlier
this month, Samsung signed a space agreement with the Korea Astronomy
and Space Science Institute. They will join forces to develop secondary
payloads for a domestic CubeSat. The CubeSat, K-Rad Cube, is scheduled
to be aboard NASA’s Artemis II test flight. Samsung Electronics will
use it to see how its next-generation semiconductors fare against
radiation in high-Earth airport. (5/27)
Oklahoma Sets Course for Aerospace
Leadership with Spaceport Expansion and New Legislation (Source:
KECO)
Oklahoma is positioning itself as a leader in the space industry with
the recent signing of Senate Bill 912. This legislation integrates the
Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) into the Oklahoma
Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), aiming to streamline
efforts in aerospace and aviation.
The state has invested in advanced air mobility infrastructure at the
spaceport. ODAA has contracted with Vigilant Aerospace to deploy the
FlightHorizon system, enhancing the facility’s capabilities in
monitoring and managing uncrewed aircraft systems. A key component of
this initiative is the Oklahoma Air & Space Port located in Burns
Flat. This facility, managed by OSIDA, is one of only 14 FAA-licensed
spaceports in the United States. It features a 13,503-foot runway,
making it suitable for various aerospace operations.
The spaceport has attracted international attention, notably from
Netherlands-based Dawn Aerospace, which plans to use Burns Flat as its
U.S. base for testing the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane. This vehicle is
designed for suborbital flights and can operate from conventional
runways. (5/27)
Novaspace Publishes White Paper On
Scaling Up the Canadian Space Sector (Source: SpaceQ)
Canada is taking steps to support its growing space sector, including
Canadian Space Agency programs like the space technology development
program (STDP) and the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP), as
well as space-focused accelerator programs like the Creative
Destruction Lab's Space Stream. This has led to a number of promising
Canadian space startups across a variety of sectors.
A new white paper by space sector consultancy Novaspace, however,
suggests that there are still quite a few more “novel approaches" to be
done for Canada to develop a robust space-focused economy, and in
particularly on setting the Canadian government up as an “anchor
customer” that allows for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to
scale up into full space enterprises. (5/27)
Musk: There is an 80 Percent Chance
Starship’s Engine Bay Issues are Solved (Source: Ars Technica)
Elon Musk: These launches are all about data. The most important thing
is data on how to improve the tile design, so it's basically data
during the high heating, re-entry phase in order to improve the tiles
for the next iteration. So we've got like a dozen or more tile
experiments. We're trying different coatings on tiles. We're trying
different fabrication techniques, different attachment techniques.
We're varying the gap filler for the tiles. And also, we want to make
sure that we've solved the issues that caused the explosions in the
last two flights in the upper stage engine bay.
"We've got about an 80 percent chance of having solved those issues.
... We had to discover that we needed to tighten the bolts that
attached the thrust chamber to the injector head after firing. So after
the first firing, it turns out that's what caused some of the bolts to
loosen a little bit; like some of them, some of the time, would loosen
and that would allow basically fuel and gas to combine. Because the
seal that normally blocks the passage of the fuel and oxidizer would
gap a little bit, and it only takes a tiny amount of fuel and oxygen
combining in a bad spot to explode the engine. (5/27)
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