Federal Investigation Warns SpaceX ISS Transit after Falcon 9 Rocket Defects Are Discovered, NASA Alarmed
BySpaceX is not launching its latest space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) due to several engine defects discovered in its Falcon 9 space rockets. The Government Accountability Office study has raised the question concerning the Falcon 9 engines which could put the safety of the mission team in jeopardy if not taken seriously.
In a report posted at The Wall Street Journal, the Federal investigators found out a pattern of problems with turbine blades that pump fuel into rocket engines stated in their preliminary investigation reports. The team raised a red flag for SpaceX missions citing persistent cracking of vital propulsion system components.
Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that it has issued a warning to SpaceX stating that such cracks pose an unacceptable risk for manned flights. SpaceX Falcon 9 is supposedly starting its transit services for astronauts to the ISS this year but has previously been pushed back due to machine related problems, The Verge added.
Meanwhile, SpaceX spokesman has argued that their designs can withstand cracking turbines but acknowledged the concern and expressed its plans in makeup with the defects. He added that Space X engines have qualified to the robust but assured that the company is modifying the rocket design to avoid them altogether.
SpaceX has also tapped a partnership with NASA for qualified engines to be used in their manned space exploration. This will be part of the final design. This Elon Musk company opens the doors of its newly renovated pad in Cape Canaveral Florida. This place will serve venue for rocket launchings and will be called 39A. SpaceX expects its license to be granted by FAA which will authorize them to transport cargo to ISS.
What is your thought about this recent SpaceX upset? Should Elon Musk give up in his vision or not? Voice out your opinions in the comment box below.