The Falcon 9: A New EELV-class Man-rated Launch Vehicle
- Paper number
IAC-07-D2.4.05
- Author
Mr. Peter Capozzoli, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Gwynne Shotwell, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Lauren Fincher, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. John Insprucker, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The Falcon 9 is a new EELV-class man-rated launch vehicle developed by Space Exploration Technologies. The Falcon 9 is a high-reliability, low cost design based on SpaceX’s experience with the Falcon 1. The Falcon 9 will not only serve as low-cost launch vehicle for traditional payloads, but will also deliver crew and cargo to the International Space Station in support of the NASA COTS program. The Falcon 9 is a reusable two-stage, liquid oxygen and kerosene powered launch vehicle. The second stage is designed to survive reentry and both stages are recovered via parachute from a water landing. As a result nearly the total mass of the vehicle can be reused. The vehicle is powered by nine SpaceX Merlin 1C engines providing 900k lbs. of thrust at liftoff. With reliability in mind, the Falcon 9 is capable of completing the mission with one (sometimes two) engine failure(s). The Falcon 9 is available in two configurations. The first configuration uses a 5.2 meter fairing capable of delivering 8000 kg to LEO and 3000 kg to GTO. The second configuration replaces the fairing with the Dragon capsule, SpaceX’s crew and cargo vehicle. In the Dragon configuration the Falcon 9 is capable of delivering 7 crew or 2.5 metric tonnes of cargo to LEO. Ultimately the Dragon capsule will be used as transport to and from the International Space Station. The first flight of the Falcon 9 is scheduled for mid-late 2008.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-D2.4.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.