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SpaceX Investigation Finds Failed Strut Caused Falcon 9 Explosion

SpaceX Investigation Finds Failed Strut Caused Falcon 9 Explosion

The failed launch this June of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket (Defense Daily, June 29) was likely caused by a strut in the second stage liquid oxygen tank, which broke free during flight, said the company’s CEO and chief rocket designer Elon Musk. After the strut failed, the highly-pressurized helium bottle it was securing shot to the top of the tank at high speed, leading to the rocket explosion just two minutes after launch.The stainless steel strut was designed to handle…

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Congress Updates

Warren And Sheehy Renew Call for “Right to Repair” In NDAA

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Timothy Sheehy (R-Mont.), two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are renewing their call for “Right to Repair” language in the National […]


HASC Looks To Restrict USV Deliveries Without Navy CONOPS And Strategy

The House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) fiscal year 2027 defense policy draft bill aims to restrict the Navy’s use of unmanned surface vessels (USV) until it decides on key factors […]


Gaps In Army’s Tactical Counter-Drone Capabilities Remain Concern Of HASC

A draft defense policy bill released this week says the Army is fielding counter-drone capabilities for defense of fixed sites and maneuver forces but suggests that troops at the lowest […]


HASC Wants Closer Look At Army’s SBMC Program, Cites Avoiding Past IVAS Missteps

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) wants a closer look at the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) effort, citing support for the development program while expressing caution to avoid […]