Safety panel cites concerns over SpaceX fueling process for commercial crew

A NASA safety board recommended in its annual report that the agency closely study the safety issues associated with SpaceX’s fueling plans for Falcon 9 commercial crew missions. The annual report by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), released Jan. 11, raised the issue of what it calls the “load and go” approach planned by SpaceX to fuel the Falcon 9 rocket with liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants only after astronauts have boarded the Dragon spacecraft. Traditionally, launch vehicles are fueled hours before launch, and only afterwards do crews board the spacecraft. More

(Source: SpaceNews - Jan 14)