SpaceX ISS-I

Space Exploration Technologies’ (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket, launched on 7 October from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, has failed to place a telecommunications satellite into the planned orbit due to an engine failure during lift-off.

One of the nine Merlin engines powering Falcon 9 failed approximately 80 seconds into the flight, causing the rocket to issue a shutdown command.

Consequently, the secondary payload, Prototype OG2 Satellite, aboard the rocket was placed in a lower-than-intended orbit.

However, as the rocket’s other eight engines were able to burn for longer time to make up the loss of pressure, the Dragon capsule could be successfully placed in its orbit and is expected to reach the International Space Station as planned, where it will be grappled by the crew with the help of CanadArm2.

“SpaceX officials said that the failed engine did not explode as the panels configured to ease the pressure within the engine bay ejected to protect other eight engines."

SpaceX officials said that the failed engine did not explode as the panels configured to ease the pressure within the engine bay ejected to protect other eight engines.

New Jersey-based Orbcomm said that its Prototype OG2 Satellite was separated from the launch vehicle but due to engine failure, the rocket could not conduct a second burn over safety reasons associated with its primary mission, to place Dragon into the orbit.

Orbcomm and OG2 prime contractor Sierra Nevada are working together to raise the satellite into planned orbit with the help of onboard propulsion system.

Prototype OG2 Satellite is the first of 18 OG2 satellites that the company plans to launch aboard the Falcon 9 rocket in 2013 and 2014.

Despite the initial glitch, the company still plans to launch the other 17 satellites aboard the rocket as they will be primary payloads.

Meanwhile, Dragon is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern California on 28 October following its scheduled 18-day stay at the station.

Image: Falcon 9 placed secondary payload Prototype OG2 Satellite in the wrong orbit as one of its engines failed in approximately 80 seconds into the flight. Photo: courtesy of NASA.