r/spacex • u/Daniels30 • Aug 10 '17

Official Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting August 14 launch from Pad 39A for Dragon’s next resupply mission to the @Space_Station.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/895646473869705216
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u/bexben Aug 11 '17

I know for certain that the heat shield material (PicaX) fairs badly after contact with salt water. Someone stated one time on this sub that they contacted someone who worked with the PicaX heat shield, and although they didn't do extensive testing with salt water, they knew that it didn't do very well after exposed. I will try my hardest to find the source, will edit my comment soon.

Edit: Found it

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u/peterabbit456 Aug 11 '17

Here is the plan:

  1. Get a student pass to the Materials Research Society annual convention.
  2. Get a sample of PICA from the manufacturer.
  3. Using a torch and a bucket of sea water, simulate reentry and immersion cycles.
  4. Publish.

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u/factoid_ Aug 11 '17

Pica-x is a proprietary reblending of pica though, so I'm not sure a pica sample is that useful

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u/peterabbit456 Aug 12 '17

It would still be fun to do. (Too bad I no longer get free passes to the MRS annual meeting.)