Recently, the ultimate load static test of the first-stage methane tank and the second-stage common-bulkhead tank of the Hyperbola-3 launch vehicle, independently developed by iSpace Aerospace Technology Group Co., Ltd., was successfully completed. This test obtained key data including the ultimate load-bearing capacity and failure modes of the tanks.

Ultimate load static test image of the first-stage methane tank

This test adopted a test scheme of stepwise pressurization until structural failure. While comprehensively assessing the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the tank body, circumferential and longitudinal welds, and various sealing interfaces, it also fully collected various key test data such as full-tank stress and strain, pressure loads, and structural deformation, forming a complete database. This provides solid data support for verifying the tank strength design margin, carrying out structural iterative optimization, process improvement, and weight reduction design.

It is reported that the data measurement and acquisition system worked stably throughout the entire test loading process. The deviation between the burst pressure of the first-stage methane tank and the predicted value was less than 10%; the deviation between the upper tank internal pressure burst value of the second-stage common-bulkhead tank and the predicted value was less than 15%, and the deviation between the lower tank internal pressure burst value and the predicted value was less than 10%. The structural failure modes were consistent with theoretical analysis predictions, and the tank burst morphology met design expectations.

Production image of iSpace's fully friction stir welded tank

Hyperbola-3 is a reusable large liquid launch vehicle, with a tank diameter of 4.2 meters. The complete success of the tank ultimate load test verified the tank structure design margin and load-bearing reliability, providing an important basis for subsequent design iteration and weight reduction optimization; it verified the rationality of the tank structure and the stability of the manufacturing process, marking that iSpace's tank production line has already possessed high-quality, batch manufacturing capability, and providing strong support for the maiden flight mission of the Hyperbola-3 launch vehicle.