[ad_1]
Image: uncredited / AP / REX / Shutterstock
A SpaceX crew Dragon experienced an "anomaly" during ground tests that manifested itself in a column of smoke rising from spacecraft propellers. The crew Dragons were to ship astronauts later in the year, and it is currently unclear whether recent tests could delay this.
Although few details are available, SpaceX has issued a statement confirming the incident to SpaceNews.
"Earlier in the day, SpaceX conducted a series of engine tests on a Crew Dragon test vehicle on our test stand located at Landing Zone 1 in Cape Canaveral, Florida," a spokesman said. SpaceNews. "The first tests were done successfully, but the final test resulted in an anomaly on the test bench."
Images of Cape Canaveral show a column of smoke visible from local beaches. The anomaly of the ground test comes from a motor test, especially SuperDraco engines, which provide astronauts with the power to be safe during an interrupted launch.
Beyond the fire and the smoke, the anomaly even appeared on the radar:
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine also shared a statement on Twitter:
NASA has been informed of the results of the @SpaceX Static shooting test and anomaly during the final test. We will work closely together to advance our commercial crew program safely. pic.twitter.com/yE2J5yGzA7
– Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) April 21, 2019
[ad_2]
Source link