At the time of the Artemis-1 launch, NASA engineers could not overcome a hydrogen leak during a “quick disconnect” phase of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket launch. According to Eric Berger of Ars Technica, NASA has a tolerance for a small amount of hydrogen leakage, and anything above a 4% hydrogen concentration near “quick disconnect” is considered a flammability hazard. Musk responded to Berger’s “accurate assessment,” saying that “the Raptor design started out using H2 (hydrogen), but switched to CH4 (hydrogen). The latter is the best combination of high performance and ease of operation in my opinion.” “The Delta-v difference between H2 and CH4 is small for most missions because the CH4 tank is much smaller and doesn’t need insulation,” Musk explained. Delta-v is the velocity difference that a rocket engine can impose on a spacecraft as a function of specific thrust and the mass variation of the vehicle itself. According to him, CH4 (methane) is easier to produce on Mars and is “very important” for launch missions. SpaceX is one of the first companies to use liquid methane and hydrogen as fuel. Elon Musk has plans for a self-sustaining city on Mars in 20 years. SpaceX is preparing the Starship mega rocket to carry people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond. According to the report, NASA’s showstopper “was an 8-inch-diameter line that carried liquid hydrogen to the rocket. It caused a persistent leak at the inlet, known as a quick disconnect, leading to the vehicle.” Now you can write for wionews.com and join the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE
