SpaceX achieved a major milestone on Wednesday, firing up the 27 engines at the base of Falcon Heavy in an event that will help solidify the target launch date for the rocket\u2019s maiden voyage \u2013 which will send Elon Musk\u2019s Tesla Roadster on a journey to heliocentric Mars orbit. Falcon Heavy\u2019s first ever Static Fire took place at 12:30 pm Eastern.\n<\/p>\n
Several previous attempts to conduct the test during a long static fire windows had not managed to proceed towards the actual firing up on the engines.<\/p>\n
A milestone of RP-1 and LOX being loaded into the vehicle had been achieved, with several prop loading tests taking place over the last few weeks.<\/p>\n
Crucially for this static fire milestone, SpaceX has approached the attempts as a Wet Dress Rehearsal \u2013 everything but engine ignition \u2013 with a potential to proceed into a static fire should everything be perfect. Therefore, the tests began with propellant being pumped into all three first stage cores and the second stage without an initial intention to light the Falcon Heavy\u2019s engines \u2013 exactly like the two Wet Dress Rehearsals performed last week at SLC-40 ahead of Zuma\u2019s launch.<\/p>\n
Although SpaceX has visibly conducted prop load tests, the company was yet to confirm if a full cycle WDR has been conducted. However, SpaceX never comment on such tests, with their first note likely to come after the Static Fire itself has taken place, and a quick look review of the test has been completed. This is also SpaceX\u2019s standard approach to Falcon 9 tests.<\/p>\n
Most of the delays for the Static Fire test have been related to the GSE (Ground Support Equipment), such as the Tail Service Masts (TSMs) and\/or the hold down clamps. The large TEL has undergone a large modification to cater for the Falcon Heavy, so issues relating to the GSE is not unexpected and a clear sign as to why these tests are taking place.<\/p>\n
An Atlas V taking priority on the Eastern Range assets and a short government shutdown have also caused minor delays.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s attempt followed the same approach. If, and only if, everything proceeded perfectly with fueling and the entirety of the Wet Dress Rehearsal would SpaceX then roll the test directly into a static fire, lighting all 27 engines at the base of the massive rocket while keeping it firmly clamped to the launch mount and TEL (Transporter\/Erector\/Launcher) at Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.<\/p>\n
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