spacetoday.net: SpaceX performs first full-thrust test of Falcon 9

Posted: Sat, Aug 2, 2008, 11:10 PM ET (0310 GMT)
Falcon 9 nine-engine test (SpaceX)

SpaceX announced Friday that it performed the first full-thrust test of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle, using all nine engines. The test, carried out July 30 at the company's test facilities in Texas, lasted approximately 15 seconds, and used all nine Merlin 1C engines that will be used on the first stage of the Falcon 9. At their peak, the engines generated about 3.7 million newtons of thrust. The Falcon 9 is under development by SpaceX to launch larger payloads, including its Dragon spacecraft the company is developing to transport cargo and crews to and from the International Space Station. The first Falcon 9 launch is scheduled for 2009.