NASA is conducting explosive tests of methane-oxygen fuel mixtures at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The space agency is testing "methalox" fuel because companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are increasingly using this mixture in their rockets instead of traditional fuels.
Methalox creates less residue than kerosene and can be stored at higher temperatures than liquid hydrogen, at -260 degrees Fahrenheit. However, NASA needs to understand the safety implications if rockets using this fuel were to explode on launch pads.
Jason Hopper from NASA's Stennis Space Center explained that this type of testing only happens once every few decades. The tests measure blast radius, concussive force, and shrapnel distance to determine safety protocols for launches near populated areas.
The testing program consists of three series. The first series in February used C-4 explosives to detonate 100 pounds of unmixed methane and liquid oxygen in a mock thruster. The second series in March increased the fuel to 2,000 pounds with the liquids mixed together.
The final series planned for June will simulate a worst-case scenario by detonating 20,000 pounds of fuel to replicate a full bulkhead breach. For this largest test, NASA will move its control room from 1.6 miles away to 4 miles for safety.
SpaceX has conducted its own methalox testing and believes the fuel is safe for launches. However, NASA, working with the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Space Force, decided to conduct independent testing to establish proper safety standards.
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NASA is testing explosive methane-oxygen rocket fuel to establish safety standards for commercial space launches.
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This research will determine how close rockets can launch to populated areas as private space travel expands.
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The final test will detonate 20,000 pounds of fuel, requiring NASA to move its control room 4 miles away.
