[Satellite Today 07-30-09] Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) completed human safety qualification testing for the Falcon 9 launch vehicle’s first stage tank and interstage at SpaceX’s test site in Waco, Texas, the company announced July 29.
    The Falcon 9 first stage tank and interstage hardware were subjected to a proof test of 1.1 times the maximum expected operating pressure and a burst pressure proof test of 1.4 times the maximum. The test qualifies both pieces of hardware to meet human rating safety requirements, as defined by NASA, the company said. Falcon 9’s first stage and interstage also passed launch site ground wind qualification tests.
    "All hardware was designed to be man-rated, and these tests confirm that SpaceX is one step closer to flying humans on the Falcon 9/Dragon system, Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX, said in a statement.