spacetoday.net: SpaceX performs Falcon 9 engine test

Posted: Mon, Nov 24, 2008, 8:12 AM ET (1312 GMT)
Falcon 9 engine test in Nov 2008 (SpaceX)

SpaceX carried out a successful full-length test of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle on Saturday night, scaring some Texas residents in the process. The test, carried out at around 11:30 pm EST Saturday (0430 GMT Sunday) at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas, was a 178-second "full mission-length" test using all nine Merlin 1C engines incorporated in the Falcon 9's first stage. The test startled residents in communities around the test site, including the nearby city of Waco, where dozens of people contacted local police about the test. SpaceX said it had notified people in McGregor itself about the test, and would provide wider warning of any future tests. The Falcon 9's first launch is planned for early 2009 from Cape Canaveral.