This passed Saturday at just around noon at the a community public picnic from SpaceX, a Merlin C1 rocket engine come to life, and gave a 45 second show for the crowd.
The fuel RP1 is ignited, and as close as we were, you can feel the roar. SpaceX sunglasses, and earplugs were handed out for everyone for safety. It was my first time to be at a real rocket engine test, and it was a trill to see, and hear.
This is the same test stand where all 9 engines have gone thought final check, ran for real total launch time, and cleared for flight.
15 seconds before it lights, 4 rings of water sprays under the engine, then the value is opened, and a green flash pops, and the engine is running. The green flash is a chemical that reacts with oxygen and burns instantly, it is the perfect starter fuel for the RP1.
The test stand is getting a make-over to reduce sound even more. It is a must to keep happy neighbor. The Heavy Falcon test will have 27 combined engines, and with the modification it will only sound like 9. Sound travels differently is different weather conditions. Factors like the wind and cool, clear air can let the blast sound go for 40 miles.
The event had Bar-B-Que sandwiches, drinks and rocket shaped cookies. There were bounce houses and games for the kids. Plus a great band played in the background.
Just before the test, a special appearance from Elon Musk and R-Texas senator John Cornyn.
Mr. Musk was introduced, and made a short speech for the event. A comment was made about him wearing cowboy boots in Texas, but he was quick to answer, and let us all know, that he had them for a long time. He was very lad back and easy going. He announced the 30 percent growth of the company in McGregor, Texas, and the importance of research and testing of rocket technology.
Many employees were there, and eager to talk about the excitement of working with rockets. A lot goes on there, they even test the engines in a large vacuum chamber to simulate the space environment.
The location of McGregor has a lot of history in rocket testing with the company, Rocketdyne or Astrodyne going back into the 50′s
In 1978, Rocketdyne sold its Solid-Propellant Rocket division at McGregor, Texas, to Hercules Inc.
see “www.boeing.com/history/bna/” for more info.
My Meeting With Elon Musk
After chatting with an engineer about the complexities of engine design, I said I may not get to talk to Mr Musk, but I just want to tell you how proud of SpaceX’s work here, then he said that he is standing right over there.
After waiting in an impromptu short line, I got to talk briefly and shake Elon Musk hand.
I said ” just want to tell you personally how proud that you are putting America back in space.” He said “Thank you.”
“You know about http://www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com/ ? and he said “Yes, I am in it!”
“Have you gotten a chance to see a final cut of the film?” Elon said, “Yes, have you sean it? ”
“No not yet, but do you think it promotes electric car well? “Yes I do.”
And is Tesla doing well? Yes, It is!”
I said “Thank You so much to meet you.”
I have to say I was very nervous and wondered if I made any since to him, but I felt like he was a great man, and was very personal with everyone. He took his time and I was encouraged for the future with such a visionary as he is.
Posted by: Ron G.
