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http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/spacex-set-launch-amos-6-tropical-storm-hermine-looms/ http://www.spaceflightinsi

http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/spacex-set-launch-amos-6-tropical-storm-hermine-looms/ http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-explor... This article has some information on the new characteristics: - Although considered to be an iterative upgrade from the Falcon 9 v1.1 that preceded it, the modifications to the Full Thrust version have increased the vehicle’s published liftoff capabilities by as much as 30 percent. - A key component of this performance increase is the use of “densified” propellant. By chilling the liquid oxygen to minus 340 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 207 degrees Celsius) and the RP-1, a highly-refined form of kerosene used as rocket fuel, to 20 degrees Fahrenheit ( minus 7 degrees Celsius), SpaceX has demonstrated the capability to store more oxidizer and fuel in a given volume, as well as increase the flow of propellant through the turbopumps on the first stage’s nine Merlin 1D powerplants and on the upper stage’s lone MVac.

ww520 10y ago
Interesting on the fuel. Oxygen's boiling point is at -297F (turned into liquid) and its freezing point is at -362F (turned into solid). Lowering the temperature to -340F would be solidifying the liquid oxygen but not quite yet. I guess at that point the volume has reduced, enabling the packing of more LO into the container. Having an additional phase change doubles the risk factor along the whole pipeline that it flows through, the container, the valves, the pipes, the chambers, whatever. Liquid to gas can be dissipated quickly. How bad can uncontrolled solid to liquid expansion be? Edit: uncontrolled liquid to gas venting is equally volatile and dangerous.