SpaceX Merlin rocket engine explodes during test

Well rockets are designed to explode, just in a very specific way :D This one exploded in the wrong direction.
 
A SpaceX Merlin engine test failed this past weekend at the company’s facility in Texas, causing an explosion, reported Space.com.

There were no injuries.

According to the report, the explosion happened when the engine was filled with liquid oxygen fuel and tested for leaks. The fuel then ignited, but it is not clear whether the engine itself exploded.

Space.com reported that SpaceX was testing a Block 5 engine, which is set to be used in a future generation of the Falcon 9 rocket.

The active Falcon 9 rockets currently rely on Block 4 Merlin engines.

SpaceX said it is conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Honestly, how hard is it? Did it explode or not? Fuel burning is not an explosion. So, did it explode when it wasn't exploding, or was the lack of explosion an obvious sign that it may not have exploded, while it asploded?
 
Wait a minute... I just lit a rocket.

Rockets explode!
 
It was an experimental rocket for Block 5.
Blowing up engines on a test stand is part of testing new designs.
In other news...
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X