The Orbital Sciences rocket that exploded after launch was powered by a
pair of rocket engines that were made during the Soviet era and
refurbished, experts said.
Why the rocket exploded is being investigated. From the BBC:
The rocket was due to carry nearly 5,000lb (2,200kgs) of supplies to
six astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It included equipment for astronauts to conduct tests on blood flow to the human brain and to analyse meteors.There was also equipment for experiments to examine the
growth of pea shoots in orbit and how the body's immune system reacts to
space travel.
More than 1,300lb (600kg) of food was on board, including pre-packaged meals and freeze-dried crab cakes.
I wonder if the company pays for the destroyed equipment and goods? And the damage to the launch pad?
Decades-Old Soviet Engines Powered The US Rocket That Exploded - Business Insider
Even though the engines were refurbished, I am still surprised that they still used equipment from the Soviet era. I would imagine if you were sending something to space that you would want the most up to date technology and equipment. The company should pay for the damages because it was their task was to provide a rocket to transfer goods to the ISS. Since the rocket exploded, they did not fulfill this task. Hence, why they should be responsible for the projects failure.
ReplyDeleteI also am surprised that we are still trying to use soviet era equipment to do something as dangerous and complicated as sending supplies into space. I don't think the company should pay for the damage though. I think this is a "buyer beware" issue. I think its safe to say though that no one else is going to buy rockets from this company anymore.
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