SpaceX and other companies use liquid oxygen (LOX), as propellants for rocket launches. Launches could be affected by LOX shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SpaceX founder and chief executive Elon Musk shared this photo on September 26, 2019, showing three Raptor engines mounted to one of their Starship prototypes.
COLORADO SPRINGS (Colo.) Liquid oxygen is in short supply due to rising demand from COVID-19 patients in the United States. SpaceX is concerned that the lack of oxygen could affect future launches as hospitals struggle to find ways to treat patients.
As we move into the second year of this pandemic, the number of cases is on the rise due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 Delta variant. Hospitals that treat COVID-19 patients rely heavily on LOX for ventilator treatment. With rising numbers, LOX is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
SpaceX President and CEO Gwynne Shotwell highlighted this fact at the 36th Space Symposium in Houston on Tuesday, August 24, 2018. This shortage could have an impact on future launches as many launch providers rely heavily on LOX, a common propellant.
Shotwell stated that "we're going to be affected this year by the lack of liquid oxygen at launch."
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Shotwell said, "We are certain that hospitals will have the liquid oxygen they need." You can email me if you have liquid oxygen spare.
SpaceX's next generation Raptor engine will power its huge Starship deep-space transport system. It uses supercooled liquid methane as propellants. Kestrel and Merlin were also powered by LOX. However, Kestrel's engines used LOX with refined kerosene.
Rocket engines react with propellants to create heat and exhaust gases. These are then accelerated through a tube, creating thrust which pushes against the Earth and propels it up into space.
Shotwell didn't specify what the LOX shortage could have on SpaceX’s upcoming launch schedule. Since its June 30 Starlink launch, the company has put on hold Starlink internet satellite launches. Launches were halted by the company to add laser tech satellites.
Shotwell stated that the next Starlink launch will be in approximately three weeks after the panel discussed the pause for Starlink satellite upgrades.
Chelsea Gohd can be reached at cgohd@space.com. Follow her on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Spacedotcom
