Progress in SpaceX’s rocket called Crew Dragon completed a series of static- fire engine test on Wednesday, according to NASA. In the experiment, the capule’s thrusters are tested to see if it can sustain when the process of orbiting occurs. This experiment was an Intense for SpaceX and NASA, due to an explosion caused by the fail test in April, forcing a redesign for SpaceX, and the hard work paid off. The test is a huge positive sign as the Crew Dragon will still need more work to do to prove it can handle launch emergency before we send human in space. SpaceX and NASA are hoping that they can launch astronauts to ISS in the beginning of 2020. (Kooser, 2019)
This is a positive sign for commercial space traveling, as Elon Musk desired. The test is a huge milestone for the current progress. As 2020 is coming closer, we can look forward to see a new space launch ever since 2011.
Reference: https://www.cnet.com/news/spacex-passes-crew-dragon-test-that-previously-ended-in-an-explosion/
SpaceX’s Dragon project has made it possible for the average person, non astronauts, to be able to go to space to orbit the Earth. Almost like the world’s most dangerous theme park ride. This failure that occurred during an engine test did set the project back, but the SpaceX crew was able to solve the problem and advance the project. The suit that the passengers are given implements some of the topics we have discussed in class as well. The helmet of the suit is entirely 3D printed and the gloves are touch screen compatible so that during the flight the passengers can use for communication and information purposes. This 7 passenger ship is a good sign that larger ships will be made available for more passengers and more commercialized uses in outer space.
Reference: https://www.spacex.com/dragon
It’s so cool how advances in technology have allowed us to get to space! This post got me thinking about Spacex’s other projects and how they sent a Tesla into space. The car has completed a lap around the sun, and according to Mike Wall, the “Car and driver will probably make many more laps around our star” (“SpaceX’s Starman and Elon Musk’s Tesla Have Made a Lap Around the Sun”, 2019). I just find it so cool because without technology, none of this could be possible. Also, I agree with you that this is very positive for the future of commercial space traveling!
https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html
SpaceX is one of the leading companies when it comes to space and space travel. For many years innovation in the space sector was dependant on how much the government spends to conduct research and all the space race that happened in the cold war era. After that period development in the space sector was stagnant, seeing SpaceX innovating and developing the space sector, having a private company in this sector has its pros and cons but as one can observe is all the developments that this company is making is beneficial on a large scale.
The Crew Dragon test is huge step forward for commercial space flight. The failure back in April was due to a leaking component in the SuperDraco compulsion system which allows nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer into helium tubes that hurled that propellant into a titanium valve when pressurized. This failure was a huge setback for spaceX but they have made much progress and have been able to learn a lot from that failure. SpaceX has a potential in-flight abort test as well as two orbital Falcon 9 launches planned for december. One is a Dragon cargo spacecraft to the ISS and the other is a commercial geostationary communications satellite.
https://spacenews.com/spacex-tests-crew-dragon-abort-thrusters/
I agree that this is a positive for commercial space flight. With the Crew Dragon test a success, it is realistic that SpaceX’s Demo-2 mission to the ISS will be in the first quarter of 2020. With SpaceX and NASA enhancing the capsule’s design, we will likely see a new space launch during the projected time in January to March in 2020. Along with the thruster test, SpaceX has also introduced a new parachute for the capsule that is set to be tested within the next few weeks. The Mark 3 parachute design has much stronger lines and a better load-distributing stitching pattern. Elon Musk stated that SpaceX and NASA “want to get something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts”. If the Crew Dragon is able to complete 10 tests consecutively, we will definitely be seeing a new space launch early next year.
Reference:
https://www.space.com/spacex-may-launch-astronauts-to-space-early-2020.html