What happened to the Falcon 1?

After the unexpected failure of the Falcon 1 a lot of us were left wondering what happened?

The good news is that all the vehicle systems where operating perfectly in till a fuel leak caused a fire around the top of the main engine. The fire cut into the first stage helium pneumatic system within seconds of take off. Once the pneumatic pressure decayed below a critical value, the spring return safety function of the pre-valves forced them closed, shutting down the main engine at T+29s.

SpaceX over the next little while will be analyzing the gathered data and debris to prove their theory about wait happened correct and to find the source of the fuel leak.

Although this is a huge disappointment to the SpaceX team they are picking up the pieces and moving on. Depending upon the data that is gathered they are hoping to launch again in less than six months.

After the unexpected failure of the Falcon 1 a lot of us were left wondering what happened?

The good news is that all the vehicle systems where operating perfectly in till a fuel leak caused a fire around the top of the main engine. The fire cut into the first stage helium pneumatic system within seconds of take off. Once the pneumatic pressure decayed below a critical value, the spring return safety function of the pre-valves forced them closed, shutting down the main engine at T+29s.

SpaceX over the next little while will be analyzing the gathered data and debris to prove their theory about wait happened correct and to find the source of the fuel leak.

Although this is a huge disappointment to the SpaceX team they are picking up the pieces and moving on. Depending upon the data that is gathered they are hoping to launch again in less than six months.