Hoffer Flow Instrumentation Contributes to Historic SpaceX Project
Elizabeth City, NC - Flow meters and transmitters from Hoffer Flow Controls played a key role in the development of the Falcon 9, the launch vehicle that powered the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft's mission to the International Space Station. Hoffer has been supplying instrumentation to SpaceX since 2003.
The majority of the Hoffer flowmeters supplied were HO Series Precision Meters, both 6" and 8", which were used to measure both kerosene and liquid oxygen. Since the kerosene-liquid oxygen (LOX) mix fuels the Falcon 9 rocket into orbit, the accuracy of the flow measurement of both constituents is critical. In addition to providing larger diameter HO Series meters, Hoffer also supplied a number of its smaller HO Series Flowmeters to measure the flow of deionized water.
On May 22, 2012, The SpaceX Falcon 9 was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, powering the Dragon reusable spacecraft to the International Space Station. After successfully docking with the space station on May 25th, the Dragon successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, on May 31st, completing its mission as the first commercial spacecraft ever to visit the International Space Station. SpaceX holds a $1.6 billion contract with NASA for 12 supply missions to the space station.
Commenting on Hoffer's role in the success of the Falcon 9, company president, Bob Carrell said, "I want to begin by congratulating SpaceX on its initial commercial launch. I can only imagine the pride being felt throughout the entire SpaceX organization. And that pride is reflected at Hoffer as well. Having a role in this historical event is something for which all of us at Hoffer are extremely proud. As America now moves past the space shuttle into a new era of privatized commercial space flight, we envision our company as having an important role in that future."
Hoffer Flow Controls has been designing and manufacturing precision flowmeters and related process instrumentation for over forty years. Through innovation and a dedication to the highest standards of quality, the company has established itself as the world leader in turbine flowmeter technology. With a vast selection of dependable, high quality, and cost effective flow measurement instruments available, Hoffer Flow Controls offers versatile measurement solutions across numerous markets and applications. For more information, visit www.hofferflow.com.
