Fuel Leak and Fire Blamed for Falcon 1 Rocket Failure

In case you’re wondering about the failed Falcon 1 rocket, SpaceX said a fuel leak and subsequent fire led to its destruction seconds after liftoff  from the Kwajalein Atoll on the central Pacific Ocean. A preliminary SpaceX analysis found that the fuel leak and flames caused the engine to shut down.

“A fuel leak of currently unknown origin caused a fire around the top of the main engine,” SpaceX chief Elon Musk said in a written update. “On high-resolution imagery, the fire is clearly visible within seconds after liftoff.”  

SpaceXÂ’s Falcon 1 costs $6.7 million, cheap by rocket standards, is designed for more affordable access to space for satellite payloads.
In case you’re wondering about the failed Falcon 1 rocket, SpaceX said a fuel leak and subsequent fire led to its destruction seconds after liftoff  from the Kwajalein Atoll on the central Pacific Ocean. A preliminary SpaceX analysis found that the fuel leak and flames caused the engine to shut down.

“A fuel leak of currently unknown origin caused a fire around the top of the main engine,” SpaceX chief Elon Musk said in a written update. “On high-resolution imagery, the fire is clearly visible within seconds after liftoff.”  

SpaceXÂ’s Falcon 1 costs $6.7 million, cheap by rocket standards, is designed for more affordable access to space for satellite payloads.