"Today, SpaceX successfully completed a test firing of the inaugural Falcon 9 launch vehicle at Space Launch Complex 40 located at Cape Canaveral. Following a nominal terminal countdown, the launch sequencer commanded ignition of all 9 Merlin first stage engines for a period of 3.5 seconds," according to a commercial space launch firm statement.
"Just prior to engine ignition, the pad water deluge system was activated providing acoustic suppression to keep vibration levels within acceptable limits. The test validated the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems as well as the ground and flight control software that controls pad and launch vehicle configurations. The completion of a successful static fire is the latest milestone on the path to first flight of the Falcon 9 which will carry a Dragon spacecraft qualification unit to orbit."
It is now speculated that SpaceX will launch the Falcon 9 booster to space on or about April 12, 2010 between 11 AM and 3 PM EDT. If the launch campaign stays with this date, it will be a mere 72-hours prior to President Obama's arrival in the Cape Canaveral area to discuss the future of civil and commercial space launches in America. More from Spaceflight Now, The Huntsville Times, MSNBC, and SpaceRef.com.
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