June 1, 2025 – Fuel does not freeze. Instead at low temperatures it gels. It is similar to “Jello” forming in fuel lines that can starve engines or cause fuel lines to rupture due to vibration harmonics. Fuel gelling is likely the main cause of recent “rapid unscheduled disassembly”of second-stage engines powering rocket ships.
Rob Gourley has been conducting cryo-testing on fuels including kerosene (jet and rocket fuel). His test results are embedded in the patent application filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (no. 19/223,541). Kerosene gels around minus 50 degrees F. and is no longer liquid even with agitation. Using the same fuel treated with DiTetra Gas, the fuel remains in a liquid state at least another 30 degrees F. lower (around minus 80 degrees F and lower if the fuel is agitated). The increased flowability of the treated fuel at super cold temperatures in the atmosphere can support more reliable engine performance under high vibration and also could improve safety of commercial jets flying in extremely low temperatures during the winter.
Hmmm, does anyone know how to reach Elon Musk?
Funny Story
I suppose us Floridians have grown accustomed to rocket explosions overhead. Our friends were playing tennis when one of the “rapid unscheduled disassembly”occurred with a spectacular burst of lights in the night sky. Someone mentioned the possibility of an alien invasion. But that did not stop them from going back to playing their tennis game.
Photo credit from Instagram and Google search.