Cold flows 6–10 yielded significantly improved results compared to the initial five. When we opened the MVAS to release LN2 from the tanks through the injector, the system operated smoothly; however, the desired data was not being captured. Fortunately, as VTF approached, both our cold flow performance and data output showed continuous improvement.

Our first vertical test fire did not go as planned, despite the success of our final cold flows. The engine failure was due to our ablative material not being rated for the conditions it was exposed to. Instead of burning as expected, it accumulated at the nozzle inlet, obstructing the flow. This blockage caused combustion to cease while pressure built up in the chamber until the material was forcibly dislodged, ultimately leading to an explosion.