The Falcon Launch Vehicle:

1
The Falcon Launch Vehicle Towards Operationally
Responsive Space
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this article are those of the author and should
not be interpreted as representing the official
policies, either expressed or implied of the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or the
Department of Defense
2
Background and Programmatic Progress

• SpaceX, under private investment, is developing a
  reliable, low cost launch vehicle in the light
  payload class
• As a result of the relatively simple design,
  robust margins, and the necessity to keep prices
  low, Falcon is a responsive launcher
• Programmatic Progress
• SpaceX has developed the facilities, holds all
  permits and licenses, and has developed the
  documentation necessary to build, test, and
  transport Falcon to VAFB
• State Department, 8 separate Environmental
  regulatory agencies, the ATF, the Western Test
  range and our local Fire Departments
• Agreement in place with the Army to operate from
  Kwaj
• Business Progress
• First launch contracted with support from the
  Secretary of Defense
• Government Mission assurance review initiated
• First customer signed for the Falcon V

3
Falcon SLV Technical Status

• Kestrel development nearly complete robust c
  efficiency indicating a 327 Isp (which exceeds
  goal)
• Merlin component development complete full
  engine development near complete
• Structural qualification begun
• Flight tankage in manufacture
• Complete prototype vehicle integrated as a
  manufacturing pathfinder
• Range telemetry successfully completed
• Command and Control Van and transporter erector
  nearly complete

4
November 2003
Proto-Falcon final assembly on the precision
manufacturing track
5
Falcon in Washington DC for its Unveiling
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Technical Summary-- Falcon SLV

• Payload capability Over 1500 lbs to LEO (28.5
  deg, 100 nm, circular)
• Launch from Vandenberg, Kwajelein, and the Cape
• Multiple manifest, multiple orbit
• Very benign payload environment
• 5.9M per launch plus range fees for single
  flight contracts
• Vehicle flight ready by mid 2004

• Diameter 5.5 tapering to 5
• Length 68
• 1st Stage Parachute/Water Recovery
• 1st Stage Lox/RP1
• 2nd Stage Lox/RP1

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Falcon First Stage

• Re-usable 1st Stage
• Lox RP1 Propellant
• Aluminum 2219-T6 Tanks
• Flight Pressure Stabilized Design
• Common bulkhead
• 94 Mass Ratio
• Parachute to Water Landing
• SpaceX Merlin Engine
• Thrust 72k SL, 85k Vacuum
• Isp 261 SL, 310 Vacuum
• Ablatively Cooled
• Pintle Injector Geometry
• Pump-fed Gas Generator Cycle
• Turbine Exhaust Roll Control
• Hydraulic TVC

8
Merlin Engine Test
9
Falcon Second Stage

• Expendable 2nd Stage
• Lox RP1 Propellant
• Aluminum Lithium Tanks
• Common Bulkhead
• 91 Mass Ratio
• Engine
• 7.5Klbf Vacuum Thrust
• Pressure Fed with GHe
• Isp 325 Vacuum
• Hot Helium Attitude Control
• Ablative/Radiative Cooling
• Pintle Injector Geometry
• EMA for TVC

10
Kestrel Engine Test
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Falcon Performance from VAFB
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Performance from VAFB Varying Inclination
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Performance From Kwajalein
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Predicted Injection Accuracies
Predicted accuracies

• Published accuracies
• inclination /- 0.1 deg
• perigee /- 10 km
• apogee /- 20 km

15
Launch Sites Falcon I and Falcon V

• SLC 3W at the Western range (VAFB) for high
  inclination launches
• Reagan Test Site (Kwaj) for low to mid
  inclination launches
• Agreements also in place for LC-46 at the Eastern
  Range

16
Transporter/Erector
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Launch Timeline, Standard SLV Mission
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Falcon Launch Operations
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Hurdles The Non-Responsive Part

• Operationally responsive space requires extensive
  non-recurring/preparatory effort (i.e. not
  responsive)
• Hurdles are developmental and regulatory in
  nature
• Development hurdles include the capital
  investment and technical development leading to
  production of a low cost capability
• Regulatory elements include
• MOA for launching Annexes for individual Federal
  Sites
• Environmental? FONSI
• Environmental permits
• Site license
• Range Safety Approval
• (FAA License)
• ATF
• DOT
• SpaceX has been successful in clearing the
  hurdles and is looking forward to first flight
  this summer