The Falcon 9 and Evacuation Procedures Mark the Last Steps of the Commercial Crew Program

SpaceX has successfully tested the rocket that will be used for the first test flight of Falco 9 and the Crew Dragon duo of the company's Commercial Crew Program. Photo credit: SpaceX

SpaceX takes another step forward in its Commercial Crew Program (CCP) with the static test firing in McGregor, Texas, of one of their Falcon 9 rockets that plays a vital role in restoring the capabilities of American human space flight.

The Merlin 1D engine test fire was completed at the company's test facility and verified that the first stage of the rocket had been selected for use on the demonstration flight to the ISS. This mission is currently scheduled for January 2019. The Falcon 9 Block 5 engaged for this flight is the latest in date of the company. After the cleanup, the rocket will be prepared for a trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will be integrated into the Crew Dragon capsule for this flight.

should SpaceX having achieved what has been called demo 1 – the company plans to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station as early as April 2019. Since the creation of the CCP, safety has been one of the key factors that have motivated the program managers worked to ensure that it is rooted in all aspects of the initiative. SpaceX is not alone in this area.

As you can imagine, sending people into space is a complicated business with many moving parts. In addition to testing launchers and spacecraft themselves, the procedures required in case of anomaly are also put into practice.

One of them concerned the 920th Army of the US Air Force.^th Rescue Wing and showed how teams from different organizations would work together in case of emergency on the launch pad.

Members of the DoD, NASA and SpaceX worked together on Thursday, October 25 to practice the necessary emergency procedures at Kennedy Launch Complex 39A, which required the evacuation of the injured personnel.

Participating agencies included NASA, SpaceX and the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support Office. These groups used a range of means including personnel simulating actual injuries, two helicopters HH-60G (301 Squadron Rescue), four pararescuemen (PJ) (308th) and two flight surgeons DoD.

"Together with our NASA partners, these exercises are important for developing a fundamental understanding of our capabilities and for integrating our procedures to improve the mission. Today's exercise was generic, but we will continue to incorporate more advanced rescue scenarios, "said the staff sergeant. Gregg Forshaw, 308^th Pararescueman of Rescue Squadron said via an update released by the 920^th Rescue wing. "Today is a great example of how we, as citizens, move forward, bring our expertise while reflecting on our long history of supporting NASA. Any chance we can take by highlighting our tactical skills is invaluable. Today's mission is focused on getting from the base to the workplace, quickly providing advanced medical support while maintaining the stability of our patients, which is essential to prepare for this mission. will become real. This exercise was essential in determining the time management and treatment we were able to perform on the injured. "

Tagged: Crew of commercial crew program Dragon Falcon 9 stories of leaders McGregor Texas NASA SpaceX

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Jason Rhian

Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills doing internships with NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content to sites such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.