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.
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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.
Readers!
Please consider supporting my work here at Behind the Black. Your support allows me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Only now does it appear that Washington might finally recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are four ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation or subscription:
4. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above.
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.