Falcon 9 Test Was Delayed After An Abort On Tuesday

Today, SpaceX announced a successfully test firing of the inaugural Falcon 9 launch vehicle at Space Launch Complex 40 located at Cape Canaveral, FL.  SpaceX is one of two commercial companies selected to receive NASA funding in support of cargo flights to the International Space Station.

Following a nominal terminal countdown, the launch sequencer commanded ignition of all 9 Merlin first stage engines for a period of 3.5 seconds.  This short test firing is enough time to verify systems on the ground and in the launch vehicle are completely ready for an actual launch.

Earlier in the week, the test was aborted due to an anomoly in the ground systems supporting the rocket.  A software glitch was discovered and corrected.

Just prior to engine ignition, the pad water deluge system was activated providing acoustic suppression to keep vibration levels within acceptable limits. The test validated the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems as well as the ground and flight control software that controls pad and launch vehicle configurations.

File Photo of Falcon 9 at Complex 40

"This is analogistic to a run-up an aircraft might do on the runway to verify all systems are functional," SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk remarked in a recent interview. "That gives the rocket a nice final shakedown. We will then double-check everything to make sure everything's OK after that short static fire. If it's looking good, then we launch soon thereafter."

The completion of a successful static fire is the latest milestone on the path to first flight of the Falcon 9 which will carry a Dragon spacecraft qualification unit to orbit.  SpaceX must fly their cargo module successfully before being allowed to attempt a docking with the space station.

FMI: www.spacex.com