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Regarding the explosion at Mohave Airport last year that killed 3 Scaled Composites workers involved in testing SpaceShipTwo's engine;
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Oxidizer Tank Suspected In 2007 Scaled Composites Explosion
Feb 8, 2008
A preliminary report into the explosion that killed three Scaled Composites workers last summer during development tests of the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) rocket engine points to oxidizer tank failure as a potential cause.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) report, published today, says "The workers had transferred the nitrous oxide from the [mobile conditioning system] into the propulsion equipment apparatus tank mounted on the test stand. The catastrophic explosion occurred about 3s after the [cold nitrous oxide] flow began."
Cal/OSHA's bureau of investigation also submitted evidence for review to the Kern County district attorney's office, which is deciding whether to press criminal or civil charges against Scaled.
The Mojave, Calif.-based company, which has revised its workplace procedures, says it also continues to co-operate with the safety agency on the investigation.
Scaled has meanwhile appealed $25,870 in fines Cal/OSHA levied in January for failing to provide "effective information and training of the health and physical hazards associated with nitrous oxide." This was the propellant used during the 'cold-flow' test of the SS2 engine component that ended in the July 26, 2007, explosion on a remote part of Mojave Air and Space Port. Violations specifically cited by Cal/OSHA included failure to maintain a safe working environment, and failure to properly train workers in the handling of hazardous materials.
Feb 8, 2008
A preliminary report into the explosion that killed three Scaled Composites workers last summer during development tests of the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) rocket engine points to oxidizer tank failure as a potential cause.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) report, published today, says "The workers had transferred the nitrous oxide from the [mobile conditioning system] into the propulsion equipment apparatus tank mounted on the test stand. The catastrophic explosion occurred about 3s after the [cold nitrous oxide] flow began."
Cal/OSHA's bureau of investigation also submitted evidence for review to the Kern County district attorney's office, which is deciding whether to press criminal or civil charges against Scaled.
The Mojave, Calif.-based company, which has revised its workplace procedures, says it also continues to co-operate with the safety agency on the investigation.
Scaled has meanwhile appealed $25,870 in fines Cal/OSHA levied in January for failing to provide "effective information and training of the health and physical hazards associated with nitrous oxide." This was the propellant used during the 'cold-flow' test of the SS2 engine component that ended in the July 26, 2007, explosion on a remote part of Mojave Air and Space Port. Violations specifically cited by Cal/OSHA included failure to maintain a safe working environment, and failure to properly train workers in the handling of hazardous materials.