Kistler Aerospace and Lockheed Martin siad Wednesday that fuel tank testing had check out successfully, completing another major milestone toward Kistler's mission of providing the world's first reusable launch vehicle – the Kistler K-1.
Designed and tested by Lockheed Martin's Michoud Space Systems
division, the hydrostatic proof testing of the K-1 liquid oxygen tank
was conducted to simulate the pressures the tank will experience
during flight.
“This is an exciting time for us,'' said Robert Wang, chairman of
Kistler Aerospace. “With the help of outstanding contractors like
Lockheed Martin, we continue to move through major milestones, like
the one today, with great results. Lockheed Martin's experience with
Space Shuttle external tanks and X-33 liquid oxygen tanks gave us
every reason to believe the K-1 tank design would be successful.''
The aluminum fuel tank, which will contain liquid oxygen to be
used during first stage boost, was filled with approximately 33,600
gallons of water to resemble flight pressures and prove flight
worthiness. During the proof test procedure, a maximum pressure of 44
pounds per square inch was generated hydrostatically at the rear of
the liquid oxygen tank.
Following non-destructive evaluation of the tank, Lockheed Martin
technicians will complete final installations and cleaning to prepare
the component for installation in the K-1 launch vehicle. Final
assembly will take place at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans.
Kistler Aerospace is the leading developer of the K-1 fully
reusable aerospace vehicle, designed to deliver satellites to
low-Earth orbit and provide a low-cost alternative to single-use
launch vehicles. Kistler is a privately-funded U.S. company with
corporate offices in Kirkland, Wash. and executive offices in Los
Angeles.
