Investigators have developed a report where they expressed their concern regarding SpaceX engines, but also the functionality of Boeing spaceships. Analysts have revealed some technical issues regarding these space agencies’ efforts to offer transport to the International Space Station.
- A report developed by the US Government Accountability Office expressed analysts’ concerns regarding Boeing and SpaceX engines.
- SpaceX revealed to have technical problems when it comes to the turbopumps on Falcon 9.
- Representatives from this company argued that they are currently searching for a solution to solve the issues.
Based on the information provided by the media, the report which is bound to appear soon from the US Government Accountability Office concentrated upon problems which affected the turbopumps on Falcon 9 spaceship. In the report, specialists included that they had identified a trend of issues concerning the turbine blades located within the turbopumps.
These devices are designed to allow rocket fuel to reach the combustion chamber of the rocket engine. Apparently, some components used when manufacturing turbopumps are bound to crack, requiring a reevaluation before the Falcon 9 craft will be employed by NASA for crewed space journeys. Government investigators have already briefed NASA about the technical problems identified when developing the report.
Thus, Robert Lightfoot, the acting administrator of the agency, claimed that he might know how to fix these problems. John Taylor, a spokesman from SpaceX, argued that his company already developed a plan to solve the technical issues which may appear. He noted that they had developed the engines in such a way that they could be able to resist to turbine wheel cracks.
Nevertheless, their team of developers is bound to alter the turbine’s design to avoid the occurrence of any problem. Taylor also pointed out that this should be the final retouch on Falcon 9. Apparently, the ultimate variant of the Falcon 9 rocket, called Block 5, is developed for maximal safety and easier return in case they may use the craft again.
Based on the statements of Elon Musk, the founder of the company, the craft is planned to set off by the end of 2017. Analysts have also signaled some problems occurring with Boeing. They appeared to have difficulties with guaranteeing the reliability of the parachute systems. They were developed to help the crew have a safe landing.
SpaceX and Boeing are both eager to fulfill the mission requirement imposed by NASA, referring to a loss-of-crew possibility of 1 in 270 cases. NASA is aware of this problem, noting the fact that these companies need to deal with orbital and micrometeoroid detritus.
Image courtesy of: wikipedia
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.