Kwajalein activity had been percolating along for about eighteen months, mostly dealing with regulatory matters, but it became our number one priority in June when we shifted first launch from Vandenberg to Omelek. From having only partially complete concrete foundations in June, the team has kicked butt and we now have the following in place:
* Launch stand and vehicle erector
* Vehicle hangar
* Umbilical tower
* Helium pressurization system
* Nitrogen purge system
* Liquid oxygen storage tanks
* RP-1 kerosene tanks
* A liquid oxygen generating plant
* Dual redundant heavy duty generators
* Office building (broken into pieces, brought over from another island and reassembled)
* Fiber optic communications from Omelek to Kwajalein
* Remote camera systems
* Remote control of the launch site
* 10k class clean room for satellite integration
The Army and Kwajalein Range Services have really stepped up to the plate to help get all this done so rapidly and deserve a lot of thanks. In addition to all the physical work that has taken place, a lot of effort has gone into ensuring that the rocket is safe for flight with a fully qualified, independent and redundant thrust termination system. It has also been great working with the Air Force and DARPA as the primary customers, together with NASA in a supporting role, for this first flight.
Launch Control and Amenities
Our launch control center is located on Kwajalein Island along with guest offices for our customers. The main island also has hotels, shops, a cafeteria and sports facilities. For potential customers out there, I should mention that Kwajalein has some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkeling! It is literally a tropical paradise.
Omelek pier and landing ramp
TECHNICAL UPDATESPropulsion - Nine Lives
One of the most important questions regarding the Falcon 9 first stage is whether having all those engines helps or hurts. The key question in my view is whether or not true redundancy is achieved. If an engine fails, what are the odds that it will fail in a benign manner? If there is an engine fire or a chamber comes apart, will it be limited to that one engine or will it cause a neighboring engine to fail?
Article comments