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Federal Investigators Spot Flaws in SpaceX Falcon 9 Rockets; The Government Accountability Office identified persistent cracking in turbofans that pump fuel to the rocket engines.
Topic Started: Feb 6 2017, 05:15 PM (238 Views)
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After launching ten satellites into orbit last month, and successfully landing a Falcon 9 first stage, it looked like SpaceX was getting back on track. But unfortunately, preliminary reports from a Government Accountability Office investigation have found "persistent cracking of vital propulsion-system components," according to The Wall Street Journal. Specifically, turbofans that pump rocket fuel to the Falcon 9 engines were identified as weak points where cracking can occur.

There is no indication that a compromised turbopump, as the component is commonly called, contributed to the Falcon 9 explosion this past September. Still, the report, which will come out in full in the coming weeks, will likely delay SpaceX launches and ultimately postpone the company's plans to launch astronauts to the International Space Station next year. NASA has been briefed on the GAO's preliminary findings, and the agency has warned SpaceX that such cracks create an unacceptable risk for crewed spaceflights.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a25035/flaws-in-spacex-falcon-9-rockets/?src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&date=020617
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Demagogue
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Their engines are designed to work with cracked turbopump blades but they are going to eliminate the entire problem anyway as part of the manned flight stuff.

Incidentally, this is just an initial report, the warning about this may even be removed from the final report. At least that is my understanding of it.
People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do them harm.
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clone
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WTF is GAO doing looking at turbo fans?

Only liberals can choose not to go down the road to widespread, systematic violence.
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Drudge X
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This nosiness must have started by the Obama administration.
Kate Steinle was separated from her family permanently but leftists didn't seem to mind.
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Robert Stout
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The government contracting out space craft is a brave new world for taxpayer dollars............ :shakeshead:
Jesus can raise the dead, but he can't fix stupid
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