SpaceX's Rocket Engine Achieves Flight Qualification

SpaceX's Merlin 1D engine is qualified to fly after completing a 28 test qualification program, the company announced recently. The testing took place at SpaceX's rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas.

The company is now ready to go ahead with a commercial space launch this year, reports Space.com. The new engine will be used in the Falcon 9 which is a two stage, liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene (RP-1) powered launch vehicle made by the company.

"The Merlin 1D successfully performed every test throughout this extremely rigorous qualification program. With flight qualification now complete, we look forward to flying the first Merlin 1D engines on Falcon 9's Flight 6 this year," said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and chief designer in a statement released by the company.

The Falcon 9 has until now been powered using Merlin C engines, reports Space.com. The new Merlin D engines will provide a big thrust to the launch vehicle. The engine is already used in the company's reusable launch system called The Grasshopper.

"The Merlin 1D has a vacuum thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 150, the best of any liquid rocket engine in history. This enhanced design makes the Merlin 1D the most efficient booster engine ever built, while still maintaining the structural and thermal safety margins needed to carry astronauts," the company said.