Hungry Hippo整流罩测试——我们比以往任何时候都更加接近“中子号”的实际发射。但从最近官方表述的变化,也可以看到“年内首飞”的可能性在降低。
“Hungry Hippo”是 Neutron 一级顶部那对永久连接的可开合整流罩。和传统火箭在上升段抛掉整流罩不同,Neutron 要做到:
1️⃣整流罩在发射上升段承受巨大的气动载荷;
2️⃣到二级分离/载荷部署时,两个半壳快速打开;
3️⃣二级与载荷离开后,半壳重新闭合;
4️⃣整个整流罩仍留在一级上,和一级一起再入、着陆、复用。
当下的测试,就是让两片整流罩在接近飞行状态的条件下反复开合,验证其致动器、锁定机制、结构接口、控制软件和与二级部署动作之间的配合。
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Pre-flight testing with Hungry Hippo is underway 🦛 We're opening and closing the Hippo's two permanently attached fairing halves under flight-like conditions to simulate how they'll perform for Stage 2 deployment and Neutron's return to Earth.
After testing, Hippo will return to its hangar and wait to be attached with Neutron's interstage when it arrives in Virginia.
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