Ten years ago today, on April 18th, 2014, SpaceX experienced an unexpected incident during the launch of the CRS-3 mission. As the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida, a large fountain of dirty water splashed upward alongside the vehicle, coating the rocket in grime. SpaceX founder Elon Musk addressed the incident during a news conference after the successful mission, stating that they had “sprayed a bunch of water all around the pad” and had essentially splashed dirty water on themselves. While Musk’s explanation was accurate, there is more to the story that unfolded that day, and it’s worth revisiting on the 10th anniversary of the mission.
At the time of the CRS-3 mission, SpaceX was still in the process of breaking in a new version of its Falcon 9 rocket, the v1.1. They were also striving to increase the frequency of their launches. The company had recently completed a pair of successful commercial launches to geostationary transfer orbit in December and January, marking the first time they had ever flown in back-to-back months. With these successes under their belt, SpaceX was pressing forward with their third cargo supply mission for NASA.
Initially, SpaceX had targeted a launch window from the second half of January into the middle of February in 2014. However, this launch was delayed due to a coolant leak on board the International Space Station, which was the destination for the cargo Dragon spacecraft. NASA subsequently reset the launch date to February 22nd, then March 1st, and finally March 16th. As this day neared, SpaceX encountered a series of technical problems with the Dragon spacecraft, causing them to request a two-week delay to address these issues.
Despite the delays, the problems persisted. A fire on the Air Force base near the launch site caused issues with the radars used to track rockets in flight. Additionally, an issue was discovered with the Falcon 9 rocket’s stage separation system just one hour before the planned liftoff on April 14th. These delays and setbacks placed a heavy burden on the shoulders of Ricky Lim, a young engineer who had joined SpaceX in 2008 and had been instrumental in the development and launches of the Falcon 9 rocket.
April 18th, the day of the CRS-3 mission, arrived, and the launch team prepared for liftoff. However, during the countdown, a problem with the ground systems used to fuel the Falcon 9 rocket emerged. The launch teams noticed a small liquid oxygen leak in the ground-support equipment at a pipe fitting. Liquid oxygen is a potent oxidizer used in rocket engines, and it needs to be kept at extremely cold temperatures to prevent boiling.
Lim and his team analyzed the temperatures and video footage, determining that the leak was not a simple condensation issue but something potentially very hazardous. A significant leak could create a concentrated pocket of oxygen, which could explode during engine ignition. In addition, the leak could result in oxygen spreading onto adjacent pipes, leading to cracks and possible damage to the rocket.
To address this issue, some of SpaceX’s more experienced engineers suggested a temporary fix – trickling water over the leaky pipe. The water would ice over the leak and provide a temporary solution to prevent immediate hazards. Hours before liftoff, the launch team activated the “FireX” system, specifically in the area of the leak. This fire suppression system was separate from the larger water deluge system used to mitigate sound and energy from the rocket’s engines seconds before liftoff. The FireX system was typically used to control fires at the launch pad.
The team set the fire hose at a lower setting in the relevant area, effectively trickling water over the leaky pipe to create a temporary ice barrier. This allowed SpaceX to proceed with propellant loading and avert yet another delay for the Dragon mission. However, the launch team did not have a reliable way to measure the precise flow of water, and because the fire suppression system was activated hours before liftoff, a significant amount of water accumulated in the concrete flame trench beneath the rocket.
At liftoff, Ricky Lim, who was focused on telemetry data from the Falcon 9, barely spared a glance at the video footage. However, Elon Musk had been closely watching and quickly inquired about the incident. Lim later described the scene as a “giant plume of dirty, soot-filled water, like the Bellagio fountain.” The video footage captured a brief moment of the massive fountain, while the official photographs from the launch did not.
Although the smoke-like plume created a dramatic visual, the rocket was not in significant danger. The main risk, according to Lim, was the possibility of the water plume extinguishing one or more of the Falcon 9’s nine engines. However, this did not occur. The rocket’s engines continued to function flawlessly, despite the water-induced inconvenience.
Interestingly, the dirty water that splashed on the rocket left a visible mark. During liftoff, launch photos taken on that day revealed that just seconds after leaving the launch pad, the previously pristine white Falcon 9 rocket was covered in grime. The water collected in the flame trench was dirty and sooty, leading to the rocket’s temporary disheveled appearance.
Ultimately, the CRS-3 mission was known for more than just the water splash incident. It became the first time a Falcon 9 rocket successfully made a soft landing in the Atlantic Ocean. The booster executed a controlled descent through the atmosphere before touching down vertically in the ocean. With this achievement, SpaceX set the stage for its future endeavors in reusable rocket technology.
In retrospect, the water splash incident during the CRS-3 mission serves as a reminder of the challenges and ingenuity involved in space exploration. Ricky Lim’s experience in the hot seat as launch director showcases the intense pressure that SpaceX and its engineers faced during the early years of the Falcon 9 program. But despite the setbacks and unexpected issues, SpaceX persevered and made significant progress towards their goal of revolutionizing space travel through reusable rockets.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the CRS-3 mission, it is important to recognize the innovation and determination that have propelled SpaceX to its current standing as one of the leading commercial space companies. The water splash incident, though initially embarrassing, now serves as a testament to SpaceX’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable milestones in spaceflight. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth and success.
Looking forward, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. Since the CRS-3 mission, the company has achieved numerous milestones, including the successful development and operation of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has transported astronauts to and from the International Space Station. SpaceX’s ambitious plans for the future, such as the Starship spacecraft and lunar missions, promise to usher in a new era of human space exploration.
In conclusion, the water splash incident during the CRS-3 mission was a memorable moment in the early years of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 program. It showcased the resourcefulness and problem-solving skills of SpaceX’s engineers, who were able to find a creative solution to address a potentially hazardous situation. This incident, along with the subsequent success of the mission and the development of reusable rocket technology, highlights the remarkable progress made by SpaceX in the last ten years. As we look to the future, SpaceX’s continued innovations and groundbreaking achievements will undoubtedly shape the future of space exploration.
Source link
