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9 hours and 30 minutes. Still on track for a launch.
NASA coverage will start about 4 hours before launch.
NASA coverage will start about 4 hours before launch.
Helium serves several important purposes in rockets:
Overall, helium plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of rocket propulsion systems.
- Pressurization: Helium is commonly used to pressurize the propellant tanks in rockets. As the rocket burns fuel and the propellant tanks empty, helium is injected into the tanks to maintain the necessary pressure for propellant flow.
- Purging: Helium is also used to purge and inert the fuel and oxidizer lines in rockets, preventing the formation of potentially explosive mixtures of fuel and oxidizer gases.
- Cooling: In some rocket systems, helium is used as a coolant for various components, such as the engine nozzles, to prevent overheating during operation.
- Gas generators: Helium is sometimes employed in gas generators, which provide the energy needed to drive turbopumps that feed fuel and oxidizer into the rocket's combustion chamber.
I’ve never heard of helium being used to drive turbines or cool nozzles. You’re leaving performance on the table that way, and helium isn’t a very good coolant compared to your fuel, whether it be hydrogen, methane, kerosene, or hydrazine derivatives.Borg said:According to ChatGPT: