In article ,
Uddo Graaf wrote:
I read that the Russian N-1 moon rocket kept blowing up because the Russians
couldn't control the thrust of 30 rocket engines firing in tandem.

The N-1 had various problems -- it was different each time -- but it
wasn't anything as simple as being unable to control the engines. If
memory serves, the first two failures were actual mechanical failures in
the propulsion system, the third was a deliberate maneuver that wasn't
well thought out, and the fourth was an engine fire (at the very end of an
otherwise-successful first-stage flight).
--
MOST launched 30 June; science observations running | Henry Spencer
since Oct; first surprises seen; papers pending. |