SpaceX discovered a lot of water inside their Dragon capsule after splashdown.
SpaceX discovered a lot of water inside their Dragon capsule after splashdown.
This has got to be fixed. Though it does not appear that any cargo inside was damaged, this is the second time this has happened. More important, it suggests that the capsule integrity cannot yet be trusted in the vacuum of space. If water can seep in, it is just as possible for atmosphere to leak out.
Keep this in mind when you read reports about SpaceX’s unveiling of their manned version of this capsule on May 29. As much as I am supportive of this company, the worst thing anyone can do is be blind to problems such as this.
On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.
The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.
The audiobook is also available at all these vendors, and is also free with a 30-day trial membership to Audible.
"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News
SpaceX discovered a lot of water inside their Dragon capsule after splashdown.
This has got to be fixed. Though it does not appear that any cargo inside was damaged, this is the second time this has happened. More important, it suggests that the capsule integrity cannot yet be trusted in the vacuum of space. If water can seep in, it is just as possible for atmosphere to leak out.
Keep this in mind when you read reports about SpaceX’s unveiling of their manned version of this capsule on May 29. As much as I am supportive of this company, the worst thing anyone can do is be blind to problems such as this.
On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.
The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.
The audiobook is also available at all these vendors, and is also free with a 30-day trial membership to Audible.
"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News
Obviously any water inside the craft is a bad thing. I’m sure they will figure this out for the next cargo launch.
I am guessing but I can’t see this an an indication of a leak while in space. If it did leak there it would have been detected while docked at least. They don’t leave the connecting hatch open the whole time just in case there is a slow leak or even a catastrophic rupture or the cargo ship. Any drop in pressure during this closed door periods would have been noticed by gauges.
So this has to be a leak developing during reentry or after splashdown. If it was during entry they might be able to see scorch marks indicating a leak that later let in water.
Or they can see a busted seal when they disassemble the ship for analysis. They are so far not reusing the ships as per NASA contract.
Or is a pressure equalization valve opening and not closing fast enough to stop water from getting in. They might have to add a water trap to the valve system to help keep any sea water from getting into the cabin. Something similar to what air compressors use now.
Surprised the anti-SpaceX crowd hasn’t jumped all over this yet. They may be learning from past experience. I look forward to hearing from SpaceX what they learn.
I’ve heard that inside/outside temperature difference after reentry may be a cause. If so, it shouldn’t affect space operations.