Space transport company Space Exploration Technologies announced that Merlin 1D engine, the company’s next-generation machine, has been recently qualified to fly on the Falcon 9 rocket after passing a series of test programs.
Officials said that the testing program showed a ratio of 4:1 for critical engine life parameters, with an industry standard of 2:1. Merlin 1D is said to be the most efficient booster engine ever built due to its vacuum thrust-to-weight ratio of more than 150. The engine also maintains the thermal and structural safety margins to carry astronauts. The next-generation engine makes use of higher efficiency processes, increased robotic construction and reduced parts count. As a result, it enhances manufacturability.
Merlin 1D was assessed to be flight-ready following almost 33 minutes of firing over the course of 28 various tests at SpaceX’s rocket-development facility in Texas. The engine will be integrated with the Falcon 9 rocket soon.
In a statement, SpaceX Chief Designer and CEO Elon Musk said: “The Merlin 1D successfully performed every test throughout this extremely rigorous qualification program. With flight qualification now complete, we look forward to flying the first Merlin 1D engines on Falcon 9’s Flight 6 this year.”
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