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{{Short description|Third
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}{{Infobox rocket
|name = Falcon 9 Full Thrust
|image =
|caption =
|function = [[
|manufacturer = [[SpaceX]]
|country-origin = United States
|cpl = {{Ubli
| Expended: US$62 million<ref name=spacex-capabilities>{{cite web|title=Capabilities & Services (2016)|url=http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=3 May 2016|date=2012-11-28|archive-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115000324/http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Reusable: US$50 million<ref name="nsf-20180517">{{Cite news |last=Baylor |first=Michael |date=17 May 2018 |title=With Block 5, SpaceX to increase launch cadence and lower prices |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/05/block-5-spacex-increase-launch-cadence-lower-prices/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312122606/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/05/block-5-spacex-increase-launch-cadence-lower-prices/ |archive-date=12 March 2024 |access-date=24 May 2018 |work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]] }}</ref>
|height = {{cvt|71|m|ft}} with payload fairing<ref name="spx-user-guide">{{cite web|title=Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Payload User's Guide|url=http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_9_users_guide_rev_2.0.pdf|access-date=29 November 2015|date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314002928/http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_9_users_guide_rev_2.0.pdf|archive-date=14 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
|diameter = {{cvt|3.7|m|ft}}<ref name=spacex-falcon9>{{cite web|title=Falcon 9|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=30 April 2016|date=2012-11-16|archive-date=15 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715094112/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|mass = {{cvt|549,000|kg}}<ref name=spacex-falcon9 />
|stages = 2
<!----Payloads (optional)---->
|capacities =
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = [[Low Earth orbit|LEO]]
|inclination = 28.5°
|mass = {{Unbulleted list
| Expended: {{cvt|22,800|kg}}<ref name=spacex-capabilities />
| Reusable: {{cvt|18,500|kg}}<ref name="nsf-20230126">{{Cite news |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/starlink-group-6-39-falcon-9-block-5/ |title= Starlink Group 6-39 – Falcon 9 Block 5 |last=Sesnic |first=Trevor |date=25 February 2024 |work=Everyday Astronaut |access-date=25 February 2024 }}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = [[Geosynchronous transfer orbit|GTO]]
|inclination = 27°
|mass = {{Unbulleted list
| Reusable: {{cvt|7,000|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcon 9 Block 5 {{!}} SXM-7|url=http://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/93 |website=nextspaceflight.com|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> }}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = [[Mars transfer orbit|TMI]]
|
}}
<!----Associated rockets (optional)---->
|family = [[Falcon 9]]
|
|derivatives = [[Falcon 9 Block 5]]<br />[[Falcon Heavy]]
| comparable = {{flatlist|
* [[Ariane 5]]
* [[Atlas V]]
* [[H-IIB]]
* [[Long March 3B/E]]
* [[Proton-M]]
}}
<!----Launch history (required)---->
|status =
|sites = {{
| [[Kennedy Space Center|Kennedy]], [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]
}}
|launches =
|success =
|other_outcome = 1 ([[AMOS-6]] pre-flight destruction)
|landings = 22 / 24 attempts
|first = {{Start date|22 December 2015}} ([[Falcon 9 Flight 20|Orbcomm-OG2-2]])
|last = {{End date|29 June 2018}} ([[SpaceX CRS-15|CRS-15]])
|payloads = {{flatlist|
* [[SpaceX Dragon 1|Dragon]]
* [[Boeing X-37]]
* [[Iridium NEXT]]
* [[Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite|TESS]]
* [[Zuma (satellite)|Zuma]]
}}
<!--Stages/boosters-->
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|name = <!--name of the stage/booster, optional-->
|number = <!--number of boosters, required if type = booster-->
|length
|diameter =
|width = <!--width of a single booster/stage if not axisymmetric, use {{cvt|WIDTH|m}}, optional-->
|empty = <!--
|gross = <!--gross (fuelled) mass of a single booster/stage, use {{cvt|GROSSMASS|kg}}, optional-->
|propmass = <!--propellant mass carried by a single booster/stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|PROPMASS|kg}}, optional-->
|engines =
|solid = <!--set to "yes" (lowercase) to change Engines to Motor for solid motors-->
|thrust = {{Unbulleted list
| {{Abbr|SL|at sea level}}: {{cvt|7,607|kN}}<ref name=spacex-falcon9 />
| {{Abbr|vac|in vacuum}}: {{cvt|8,227|kN|}}<ref name=spacex-falcon9 />
}}
|SI = {{Unbulleted list
| {{Abbr|SL|at sea level}}: {{cvt|282|isp}}<ref name=falcon9-2013>{{cite web|title=Falcon 9 |url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php |publisher=SpaceX |access-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501002858/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php |archive-date=1 May 2013|date=2012-11-16 }}</ref>{{Update after|2013|9|reason=ISP for first-stage Merlin 1D is taken from v1.1 specs, new source required}}
| {{Abbr|vac|in vacuum}}: {{cvt|311|isp}}<ref name=falcon9-2013 />{{Update after|2013|9|reason= ISP for first-stage Merlin 1D is taken from v1.1 specs, new source required}}
}}
|burntime = 162 seconds<ref name=spacex-falcon9 /> <!--burn time, required-->
|fuel = [[LOX]] / [[RP-1]]
}}
{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage <!--booster or stage (must be in lower case)-->
|diff = <!--variant of rocket this is used on, optional-->
|stageno = Second
|name = <!--name of the stage/booster, optional-->
|number = <!--number of boosters, required if type = booster-->
|length =
|diameter =
|width = <!--width of a single booster/stage if not axisymmetric, use {{cvt|WIDTH|m}}, optional-->
|empty = <!--empty mass of a single booster/stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|EMPTYMASS|kg}}, optional-->
|gross = <!--gross (fuelled) mass of a single booster/stage, use {{cvt|GROSSMASS|kg}}, optional-->
|propmass = <!--propellant mass carried by a single booster/stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|PROPMASS|kg}}, optional-->
|engines =
|solid = <!--set to "yes" (lowercase) to change Engines to Motor for solid motors-->
|thrust = {{cvt|934|kN}}<ref name=spacex-falcon9 /> <!--thrust provided by a single booster/stage in kN, use {{cvt|THRUST|kN}}, required-->
|SI = {{cvt|348
|burntime = 397 seconds<ref name=spacex-falcon9 /> <!--burn time, required-->
|fuel = LOX / RP-1 <!--fuel used in stage/boosters, required-->
}}
|height={{cvt|69.8|m|ft}} with payload fairing
{{cvt|63.7|m|ft}} with Dragon|fail=0|partial=0}}
'''Falcon 9 Full Thrust''' (also known as '''Falcon 9 v1.2'''
[[Falcon 9 flight 20|On December 22, 2015]], the ''Full Thrust'' version of the [[Falcon 9]] family was the first launch vehicle on an [[orbital spaceflight|orbital]] trajectory to successfully [[VTVL|vertically land]] a [[first stage (rocketry)|first stage]]. The landing followed a [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|technology development program]] conducted from 2013 to 2015. Some of the required technology advances, such as landing legs, were pioneered on the Falcon 9 v1.1 version, but that version never landed intact. Starting in 2017, [[List of Falcon 9 first-stage boosters|previously flown first-stage boosters]] were reused to launch new payloads into orbit.<ref name="wapo-20170330">{{Cite news |date=30 March 2017 |title=SpaceX launches, retrieves its first recycled rocket |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/2017/03/30/8709c4cc-15bc-11e7-9e4f-09aa75d3ec57_story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331083246/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20170331083246/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/2017/03/30/8709c4cc-15bc-11e7-9e4f-09aa75d3ec57_story.html?utm_term=.988c0905ed57 |archive-date=31 March 2017 |access-date=2 April 2018 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] }}</ref><ref name="nyt-20170330">{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |date=30 March 2017 |title=SpaceX Launches a Satellite With a Partly Used Rocket |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/science/spacex-launches-a-satellite-with-a-partly-used-rocket.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920194322/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/science/spacex-launches-a-satellite-with-a-partly-used-rocket.html |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]] }}</ref> This quickly became routine, in 2018 and in 2019 more than half of all Falcon 9 flights reused a booster. In 2020 the fraction of reused boosters increased to 81%.
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Falcon 9 Full Thrust is a substantial upgrade over the previous [[Falcon 9 v1.1]] rocket, which flew its last mission in January 2016. With uprated<!--this is NOT a typo!--> first- and second-stage engines, a larger second-stage propellant tank, and propellant densification, the vehicle can carry substantial payloads to [[geostationary orbit]] and perform a [[propulsive landing]] for recovery.<ref name="sn20151016">{{Cite news |last=B. de Selding |first=Peter |date=16 October 2015 |title=SpaceX Changes its Falcon 9 Return-to-flight Plans |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-changes-its-falcon-9-return-to-flight-plans/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151016202849/http://spacenews.com/spacex-changes-its-falcon-9-return-to-flight-plans/ |archive-date=16 October 2015 |access-date=27 January 2016 |work=[[SpaceNews]] }}</ref>
The Full Thrust would go on to be developed into the [[Falcon 9 Block 5]], SpaceX's highly successful medium-lift launch vehicle and the [[Falcon Heavy]], a heavy-lift launch vehicle.
== Design ==
{{Disputed section|Talk:Falcon 9#Falcon 9 family lineage|date=March 2019}}
[[File:
[[File:Falcon 9 FT after fairing jettison.jpg|thumb|Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch on 4 March 2016. The discarded first stage is in the lower right. The second stage is in the upper left, with the two parts of the jettisoned payload fairing.]] A principal objective of the new design was to facilitate [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|booster re-usability]] for a larger range of missions, including delivery of large [[commsat]]s to [[geosynchronous orbit]].<ref name="sn20150320">{{Cite news |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |date=20 March 2015 |title=SpaceX Aims To Debut New Version of Falcon 9 this Summer |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-aims-to-debut-new-version-of-falcon-9-this-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150321120922/http://spacenews.com/spacex-aims-to-debut-new-version-of-falcon-9-this-summer/ |archive-date=21 March 2015 |access-date=23 March 2015 |work=[[SpaceNews]] }}</ref>
Like earlier versions of the Falcon 9, and like the [[Saturn (rocket family)|Saturn]] series from the [[Apollo program]], the presence of multiple first-stage engines can allow for mission completion even if one of the first-stage engines fails mid-flight.<ref name="sxf9pug20151021">{{cite web|title=Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Payload User's Guide, Rev 2|url=http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_9_users_guide_rev_2.0.pdf|publisher=[[SpaceX]]|access-date=27 January 2016|date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314002928/http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_9_users_guide_rev_2.0.pdf|archive-date=14 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Modifications from Falcon 9 v1.1 {{anchor|Block 3}} ===
The third version of the Falcon 9 was developed in 2014–2015 and made its maiden flight in December 2015. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust is a modified reusable variant of the Falcon 9 family with capabilities that exceed the Falcon 9 v1.1, including the ability to "land the first stage for [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO) missions on the [[Autonomous spaceport drone ship|drone ship]]"<ref name="aw20150317">{{Cite web |last=Svitak |first=Amy |date=17 March 2015 |title=SpaceX's New Spin on Falcon 9 |url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/spacexs-new-spin-falcon-9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419011252/https://aviationweek.com/blog/spacexs-new-spin-falcon-9 |archive-date=19 April 2015 |access-date=24 October 2015 |website=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] }}</ref><ref name=aw20150321 /> The rocket was designed using systems and software technology that had been developed as part of the [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program]], a private initiative by SpaceX to facilitate rapid reusability of both the first–and in the long term, second—stages of SpaceX launch vehicles.<ref name="wt20130508">{{cite news|last=Abbott|first=Joseph|title=SpaceX's Grasshopper leaping to NM spaceport|url=http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/spacex-s-grasshopper-leaping-to-nm-spaceport/article_de2126cd-d6ec-563b-b84b-532641e709e3.html|access-date=2 April 2018|publisher=Waco Tribune|date=8 May 2013}}</ref> Various technologies were tested on the [[Grasshopper (rocket)|Grasshopper]] technology demonstrator, as well as several flights of the Falcon 9 v1.1 on which [[SpaceX Falcon 9 booster post-mission, controlled-descent, test program|post-mission booster controlled-descent tests]] were being conducted.<ref name="nsf-20150403">{{Cite news |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=3 April 2015 |title=SpaceX preparing for a busy season of missions and test milestones |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004003549/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]] }}</ref>
In 2015, SpaceX made a number of modifications to the existing Falcon 9 v1.1. The new rocket was known internally as Falcon 9 Full Thrust,<ref name="nsf-20150909">{{Cite news |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=9 September 2015 |title=Full Thrust Falcon 9 stage undergoing testing at McGregor |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/09/full-thrust-falcon-9-stage-testing-mcgregor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811222518/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/09/full-thrust-falcon-9-stage-testing-mcgregor/ |archive-date=11 August 2023 |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]] }}</ref> and is also known as Falcon 9 v1.2, Enhanced Falcon 9, Full-Performance Falcon 9,<ref name="aw20150317" /> and Falcon 9 Upgrade.<ref name="deSelding20150915">{{Cite tweet |first=Peter B. |last=de Selding |number=643713181047767040 |user=pbdes |title=Minor modification? Here's a graphic showing SpaceX Falcon 9 Upgrade, to debut w/ SES-9 sat in Nov/Dec. #WSBW |date=15 September 2015 |access-date=20 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204164230/https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/643713181047767040 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
A principal objective of the new design was to facilitate [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|booster reusability]] for a larger range of missions, including delivery of large [[commsat]]s to [[geosynchronous orbit]].<ref name=sn20150320 />
Modifications in the upgraded version include:
* liquid oxygen [[subcooling|subcooled]] to {{convert|66.5|K|C R F}} and RP-1 cooled to {{convert|266.5|K|C R F}}<ref name="musk-20151217">{{Cite tweet |first=Elon |last=Musk |number=677666779494248449 |user=elonmusk |title=-340 F in this case. Deep cryo increases density and amplifies rocket performance. First time anyone has gone this low for O2. [RP-1 chilled] from 70F to 20 F |author-link=Elon Musk |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231204559/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/677666779494248449 |archive-date=31 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> for density (allowing more fuel and oxidizer to be stored in a given tank volume, as well as increasing the propellant mass flow through the turbopumps increasing thrust)
* upgraded structure in the first stage<ref name=deSelding20150915 /><ref name=sn20150915 />
* longer second stage propellant tanks<ref name=deSelding20150915 />
* longer and stronger [[interstage]], housing the second stage engine nozzle, grid fins, and attitude thrusters<ref name=deSelding20150915 /><ref name="sn20150915">{{cite web|last=Foust|first=Jeff|title=SES Betting on SpaceX, Falcon 9 Upgrade as Debut Approaches|url=http://spacenews.com/ses-betting-on-spacex-falcon-9-upgrade-as-debut-approaches/|publisher=Space News|access-date=19 September 2015|date=15 September 2015 }}</ref>
* center pusher added for [[separation event|stage separation]]<ref name=deSelding20150915 />
* design evolution of the [[grid fin]]s<ref name=deSelding20150915 /><ref name=sn20150915 />
* modified Octaweb<ref name=deSelding20150915 />
* upgraded [[Launch vehicle landing gear|landing legs]]<ref name=deSelding20150915 /><ref name=sn20150915 />
* [[Merlin 1D]] engine thrust increased<ref name=deSelding20150915 /> to the full-thrust variant of the [[Merlin (rocket engine family)#Merlin 1D|Merlin 1D]], taking advantage of the denser propellants achieved by [[subcooling]].<!-- the original Merlin vacuum 1D engine had been flying since 2013, and made last flight in January 2016 -->
* [[Merlin 1D vacuum]] thrust increased by subcooling the propellants.<ref name=deSelding20150915 />
* several small mass-reduction efforts.<ref name="aw20130305">{{cite news|last=Svitak|first=Amy|title=Falcon 9 Performance: Mid-size GEO?|url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/falcon-9-performance-mid-size-geo|access-date=2 April 2018|publisher=Aviation Week|date=5 March 2013|archive-date=11 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165004/http://aviationweek.com/blog/falcon-9-performance-mid-size-geo|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The modified design gained an additional {{convert|1.2|m}} of height, stretching to exactly {{convert|70|m}} including payload fairing,<ref name=sxf9pug20151021 /> while gaining an overall performance increase of 33 percent.<ref name=deSelding20150915 />
The new first-stage engine has a much increased thrust-to-weight ratio.
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On the 25 June 2017 flight ([[Iridium NEXT]] 11–20), aluminum [[grid fins]] were replaced by titanium versions, to improve control authority and better cope with heat during [[atmospheric entry|re-entry]].<ref name="musk-20170625">{{Cite tweet |first=Elon |last=Musk |number=878821062326198272 |user=elonmusk |title=Flying with larger & significantly upgraded hypersonic grid fins. Single piece cast & cut titanium. Can take reentry heat with no shielding. |author-link=Elon Musk |date=25 June 2017 |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625154902/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/878821062326198272 |archive-date=25 June 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following post-flight inspections, [[Elon Musk]] announced the new grid fins likely will require no service between flights.<ref name="musk-20170625b">{{Cite tweet |first=Elon |last=Musk |number=879080848359686144 |user=elonmusk |title=New titanium grid fins worked even better than expected. Should be capable of an indefinite number of flights with no service. |author-link=Elon Musk |date=25 June 2017 |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627201257/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/879080848359686144 |archive-date=27 June 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Autonomous flight termination system ====
SpaceX has been developing for some time an alternative [[autonomous robot|autonomous]] system to replace the traditional [[Flight termination|ground-based systems]] that had been in use for all US launches for over six decades. The autonomous system has been in use on some of SpaceX' [[VTVL]] suborbital test flights in Texas, and has flown in parallel on a number of orbital launches as part of a system [[validation and verification|test]] process to gain approval for use on operational flights.
In February 2017, SpaceX's [[CRS-10]] launch was the first operational launch utilizing the new '''Autonomous Flight Safety System'''<!-- this is bolded per [[WP:MOSBOLD]], as a redirect link to this section --> (AFSS) on "either of [[US Air Force|Air Force]] Space Command's [[Eastern Range|Eastern]] or [[Western Range (USAF)|Western
==== Block 4 ====
In 2017, SpaceX started flying incremental changes to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust version, calling them "Block 4".<ref name="spacecom-20170629">{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=Caleb |date=29 June 2017 |title=SpaceX's Final Falcon 9 Design Coming This Year, 2 Falcon Heavy Launches in 2018 |url=https://www.space.com/37343-spacex-final-falcon-9-design.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211192259/https://www.space.com/37343-spacex-final-falcon-9-design.html |archive-date=11 December 2023 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[Space.com]] }}</ref> At first, only the second stage was modified to Block 4 standards, flying on top of a "Block 3" first stage for three missions: [[NROL]]-76 and [[Inmarsat-5]] F4 in May 2017, and [[Intelsat 35e]] in July.<ref name="slr-datasheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/falcon9ft.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114031953/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/falcon9ft.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=14 November 2015 |title=SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.2 Data Sheet |work= Space Launch Report|date=14 August 2017|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> Block 4 was described as a transition between the Full Thrust v1.2 "Block 3" and the following [[Falcon 9 Block 5]]. It includes incremental engine thrust upgrades leading to the final thrust for Block 5.<ref name="nsf-20170816">{{Cite news |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=16 August 2017 |title=Home Forums L2 Sign Up ISS Commercial Shuttle SLS/Orion Russian European Chinese Unmanned Other Falcon 9 Block 4 debut a success, Dragon arrives for Station berthing |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/falcon-9-block-4-debut-success-dragon-station-berthing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526010611/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/falcon-9-block-4-debut-success-dragon-station-berthing/ |archive-date=26 May 2023 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]] }}</ref> The maiden flight of the full Block 4 design (first and second stages) was the NASA [[CRS-12]] mission on 14 August 2017.<ref name="nsf-20170814">{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=William |date=14 August 2017 |title=SpaceX Falcon 9 launches CRS-12 Dragon mission to the ISS |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/spacex-falcon-9-launch-crs-12-dragon-mission-iss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925085557/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/spacex-falcon-9-launch-crs-12-dragon-mission-iss/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/spacex-falcon-9-launch-crs-12-dragon-mission-iss/ |archive-date=25 September 2023 |work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]] }}</ref>
==== Block 5 ====
{{
SpaceX announced in 2017 that another series of incremental improvements were in development, a '''Falcon 9 Block 5''' version, which has succeeded the transitional Block 4. The largest changes between Block 3 and Block 5 are higher thrust on all of the engines and improvements on landing legs. Additionally, numerous small changes will help streamline recovery and re-usability of [[List of Falcon 9 first-stage boosters|first-stage boosters]]. Alterations are focused on increasing the speed of production and efficiency of re-usability. SpaceX aims to fly each Block 5 booster ten times with only inspections in between, and up to 100 times with refurbishment.<ref name="sfn_april17">{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=4 April 2017 |title=Musk previews busy year ahead for SpaceX |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/04/04/musk-previews-busy-year-ahead-for-spacex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930163233/https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/04/04/musk-previews-busy-year-ahead-for-spacex/ |archive-date=30 September 2023 |access-date=7 April 2018 |work=Spaceflight Now }}</ref><ref name="youtube20170217">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjXYSJF-7Cs?t=17m12s |title= NASA Holds Pre-launch Briefing at Historic Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center |date= 17 February 2017 |author= NASA |website= Youtube }}</ref>
=== Rocket specifications ===
Falcon 9 Full Thrust specifications and characteristics are as follows:<ref name=sxf9pug20151021 /><ref name=slr-datasheet /><ref name="EspaceEtExplorationNo39">{{cite magazine |title=Fiche Technique: Falcon-9 |language=fr |trans-title=Technical data sheet: Falcon 9 |url=http://www.espace-exploration.com/fr/numeros/672-espace-et-exploration-n%C2%B039 |magazine=Espace & Exploration |issue=39 |pages=36–37 |date=May 2017 |access-date=27 June 2017 |archive-date=21 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821172058/http://www.espace-exploration.com/fr/numeros/672-espace-et-exploration-n%C2%B039 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<!-- as of 27 Jan 2016, 100 percent of the statements made in this table were sourced from a single primary source. Over time, this is likely to change as multiple editors add statements, and new parameters, to the table. When doing so, you must ALSO add a source citation, and then we'll need to move the <ref name=sxf9pug20151021 /> citation to clearly support whichever statements are sourced by the October 2015 version of the Payload User's Guide. Added uprated thrust 1 May 2016. -->
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:small; text-align:center;"
|-
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|-
! Height<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 />
| {{
| {{
| {{
|-
! Diameter<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 />
| {{
| {{
| {{
|-
!
| {{
| {{
| {{
|-
!
| {{
| {{
| {{N/A}}
|-
! Structure type
| LOX tank: [[monocoque]]<br />
| LOX tank: monocoque<br />
| Monocoque halves
|-
! Structure material
| colspan="2" | [[Aluminium-lithium alloy|Aluminum lithium]] skin; [[aluminum]] domes
| [[Carbon fiber]]
|-
! Engines
| 9 × [[Merlin 1D]]
| 1
| rowspan=14
|-
! Engine type
| colspan="2" | [[Liquid-propellant rocket|Liquid]], [[Gas-generator cycle|gas
|-
! Fuel
|
|-
! Oxidizer
| [[Subcooled]] [[liquid oxygen]] (LOX)
| Liquid oxygen (LOX)
|-
!
| {{
| {{
|-
! RP-1 tank capacity<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 />
| {{cvt|123500|kg}}
| {{cvt|32300|kg}}
|-
! Engine nozzle
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| Gimbaled, 165:1 expansion
|-
! Total [[thrust]]<ref name=spacex-falcon9 />
| {{cvt|7607|kN}}
| {{cvt|934|kN}}
|-
! Propellant feed system
| colspan="2" | [[Turbopump]]
|-
! [[Throttleable rocket engine|Throttle capability]]<ref name=sxf9pug20151021 />
| {{cvt|190,000|-|108,300|lbf|kN|order=flip}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_users_guide_02182019.pdf|title=Falcon Users Guide|access-date=22 February 2019|archive-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220122638/https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_users_guide_02182019.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><!--<br />(sea level)-->
| {{cvt|210000|-|81000|lb-f|kN|order=flip}}
|-
! [[Rocket engine restart|Restart]] capability
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|-
! Tank pressurization
| colspan="2" | Heated [[helium]]
|-
! Ascent [[Spacecraft attitude control|attitude control]] <!-- the first stage ALSO has a DESCENT attitude control system, but SpaceX did not publically disclose the specs in the sxf9pug20151021 source, possibly because the [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program]] technology is still running on some launches as an "experimental test", as specifically stated in their recent launches of 22 Dec 2015 and 17 Jan 2016. It would seem that, if another source can be found, we can describe the ACS technology in the first stage too, which is used for the stage turn-around and all attitude control between the boostback and reentry main engine burns when the first stage is operating in a "recovery operations" phase. --> <br /> ([[Pitch (aviation)|pitch]], [[Yaw (rotation)|yaw]])
| [[Gimbaled thrust|Gimbaled]] engines
| Gimbaled engine and
|-
! Ascent attitude control
| Gimbaled engines
| Nitrogen gas thrusters
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|-
! Shutdown process
| colspan="2" | Commanded
| {{N/A}}
|-
! [[Separation event|Stage separation]] system
| Pneumatic
| {{N/A}}
| Pneumatic
|}
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust uses a 4.5 meter long<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 /> [[interstage]] which is longer and stronger than the Falcon 9 v1.1 interstage. It is a "[[Composite material|composite structure]] consisting of an [[aluminum]] [[Honeycomb structure|honeycomb core]] surrounded by a [[carbon fiber]] face sheet plies".<ref name=sxf9pug20151021 /> The overall length of the vehicle at launch is 70 meters, and the total fueled mass is 549,000 kg.<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 /> The aluminium-lithium alloy used is [[2195 aluminium alloy|2195-T8]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.lightmetalage.com/news/industry-news/aerospace/how-light-metals-help-spacex-land-falcon-9-rockets-with-astonishing-accuracy/|title=How Light Metals Help SpaceX Land Falcon 9 Rockets with Astonishing Accuracy|magazine=Light Metal Age|date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust upgraded vehicle "includes first-stage [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program#Technologies|recovery systems]], to allow SpaceX to [[Return to launch site|return the first stage to the launch site]] after completion of primary mission requirements. These systems include four deployable [[Launch vehicle landing gear|landing legs]], which are locked against the first-stage tank during ascent. Excess propellant reserved for Falcon 9 first-stage recovery operations will be diverted for use on the primary mission objective, if required, ensuring sufficient performance margins for successful missions".<ref name=sxf9pug20151021 /> The nominal payload capacity to a geostationary transfer orbit is {{convert|5500|kg}} with the first-stage recovery (the price per launch is US$62 million), versus {{convert|8300|kg}} with an expendable first-stage.<ref name=EspaceEtExplorationNo39 />
== Development history ==
[[File:KSC-20160408-PH KLS0001 0005 (25704320894).jpg|thumb|Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket with the [[SpaceX CRS-8]] [[Dragon spacecraft]] on the launch pad in April 2016]]
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As early as March 2014, SpaceX pricing and payload specifications published for the [[expendable launch system|expendable]] [[Falcon 9 v1.1]] rocket actually included about 30 percent more performance than the published price list indicated.<!-- much more detail became public as the Falcon 9 full thrust got closer to first flight, announced in 2015/first flight Dec 2015; see sxf9pug201510... source --> At that time, the additional performance was reserved for SpaceX to conduct [[Falcon 9 first-stage landing tests|reusability testing]] with the Falcon 9 v1.1 while still achieving the specified payloads for customers. Many engineering changes to support reusability and recovery of the first stage had been made on this earlier v1.1 version. SpaceX indicated they had room to increase the payload performance for the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, or decrease launch price, or both.<ref name="tss20140321">{{cite AV media |people=Gwynne Shotwell |date=2014-03-21 |title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell |medium=audio file |url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |access-date=2015-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |format=mp3 |time=08:15–11:20 |publisher=The Space Show |id=2212 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2015, SpaceX announced a number of modifications to the previous version Falcon 9 v1.1 [[launch vehicle]]. The new rocket was known internally for a while as ''Falcon 9 v1.1 Full Thrust'',<ref name=nsf-20150909 /> but was also known under a variety of names including ''Falcon 9 v1.2'',<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/LLS%2014-090%20Rev%202%20-%20License%20and%20Orders%20%28FINAL%29%2001_21_2016%20-%20signed%20copy.pdf|title = License Order No. LLS 14-090A Rev. 2|publisher = FAA|access-date = 2016-08-21|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160826185415/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/LLS%2014-090%20Rev%202%20-%20License%20and%20Orders%20%28FINAL%29%2001_21_2016%20-%20signed%20copy.pdf|archive-date = 26 August 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref> ''Enhanced Falcon 9'', ''Full-Performance Falcon 9'',<ref name="aw20150317" /> ''Upgraded Falcon 9'',<ref name=nsf-20151221 /> and ''Falcon 9 Upgrade''.<ref name="deSelding20150915" /><ref name="sn20160125">{{cite web|last1=Gruss|first1=Mike|title=Falcon 9 Upgrade gets Air Force OK to launch military satellites|url=http://spacenews.com/falcon-9-upgrade-gets-air-force-ok-to-launch-military-satellites/|publisher=SpaceNews|access-date=27 January 2016|date=25 January 2016}}</ref> Since the first flight of the "full thrust upgrade", SpaceX has been referring to this version as just ''Falcon 9''.<ref name="shotwell20160203">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cT7_iySwP8?t=9000 |title=Gwynne Shotwell comments at Commercial Space Transportation Conference |publisher=Commercial Spaceflight |first=Gwynne |last=Shotwell |time=2:43:15–3:10:05 |date=3 February 2016 |access-date=4 February 2016 }}</ref>
SpaceX President [[Gwynne Shotwell]] explained in March 2015 that the new design would result in streamlined production as well as improved performance:<ref name="aw20150321">{{Cite web |last=Svitak |first=Amy |date=21 March 2015 |title=SpaceX's Gwynne Shotwell Talks Raptor, Falcon 9, CRS-2, Satellite Internet and More |url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/spacexs-gwynne-shotwell-talks-raptor-falcon-9-crs-2-satellite-internet-and-more |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407044628/http://aviationweek.com/blog/spacexs-gwynne-shotwell-talks-raptor-falcon-9-crs-2-satellite-internet-and-more |archive-date=7 April 2015 |access-date=8 May 2015 |website=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |publisher=Penton }}</ref>
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== Launch history ==
{{Main|List of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches}}
As of {{Falcon rocket statistics|statsdate}}, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust version has flown {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTlaunch}} missions with a success rate of
On 1 September 2016, the rocket carrying [[Spacecom]]'s [[AMOS-6]] exploded on its launchpad ([[Launch Complex 40]]) while fueling in preparation for a static fire test. The test was being conducted in preparation for the launch of the 29th Falcon 9 flight on 3 September 2016. The vehicle and $200m payload were destroyed in the explosion.<ref>{{cite news | access-date=14 December 2020 | url=http://www.space.com/33929-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad.html | title=Launchpad Explosion Destroys SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, Satellite in Florida | date=1 September 2016 | last=Malik | first=Tariq | newspaper=[[Space.com]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902140256/http://www.space.com/33929-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad.html | archive-date=2 September 2016 | url-status=live}}</ref> The subsequent investigation showed the root cause to be ignition of solid or liquid oxygen compressed between layers of the immersed helium tanks' carbon-fiber wrappings.<ref name="spacex-20160901">{{Cite press release |date=1 September 2016 |title=Anomaly Updates |url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2016/09/01/anomaly-updates |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216160231/http://www.spacex.com/news/2016/09/01/anomaly-updates |archive-date=16 February 2017 |access-date=2 June 2017 |publisher=[[SpaceX]] }}</ref> To resolve the issue for further flights, SpaceX made design changes to the tanks and changes to their fueling procedure.
== Launch and landing sites ==
{{
=== Launch sites ===
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following a multi-state evaluation process in 2012–mid-2014 looking at [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], and [[Puerto Rico]].<ref name="121106commercialspaceport">{{cite web|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/09/15/texas-florida-battle-for-spacex-spaceport/|title=Texas, Florida Battle for SpaceX Spaceport|publisher=Parabolic Arc|access-date=6 November 2012|archive-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008122918/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/09/15/texas-florida-battle-for-spacex-spaceport/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="usatoday-20130507">{{Cite news |last=Dean |first=James |date=7 May 2013 |title=3 states vie for SpaceX's commercial rocket launches |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/05/07/commercial-cape-canaveral/2141499/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002080732/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/05/07/commercial-cape-canaveral/2141499/ |archive-date=2 October 2019 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[USA Today]] }}</ref> However, the focus of the site has been changed from Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches to [[VTOL]] test flights of a subscale [[SpaceX Starship|Starship Hopper]] test vehicle. It is very unlikely that it will ever be used for Falcon 9 or Heavy flights, as the current launch pads provide more than enough launch capability.
=== Landing sites ===
[[File:Landing Zone 1 (23267877284).jpg|thumb|Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]]
SpaceX has completed construction of a landing zone at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, known as [[Landing Zones 1 and 2|LZ-1]]. The zone, consisting of a pad {{convert|282|feet}} in diameter, was first used on 16 December 2015 with a successful landing of Falcon 9 Full Thrust.<ref name="wapo">{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=21 December 2015 |title=Elon Musk's SpaceX returns to flight and pulls off dramatic, historic landing |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/12/21/elon-musks-spacex-pulls-off-dramatic-historic-landing/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222020547/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/12/21/elon-musks-spacex-pulls-off-dramatic-historic-landing/ |archive-date=22 December 2015 |access-date=2 April 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] }}</ref> The landing on LZ-1 was the first overall successful Falcon 9 and the third landing attempt on a hard surface. {{As of|2020|06|04}}, only one landing attempt has failed. The booster landed just offshore. In the following few days, it was towed back to Port Canaveral, raised out of the water using two cranes, and brought back to a SpaceX hangar.
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SpaceX also created a landing site at the former launch complex [[SLC-4W]] at [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]]. In 2014, the launch site was demolished for reconstruction as a landing site.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYpDwS7HgEk|title=SpaceX Demolishes SLC-4W Titan Pad|date=18 September 2014|work=YouTube|access-date=3 September 2015}}</ref> On 8 October 2018, a Falcon 9 rocket booster successfully landed at the new ground pad, known as [[Landing Zone 4|LZ-4]], for the first time.<ref name="spacexn_saocom1a">{{Cite press release |date=7 October 2018 |title=SAOCOM 1A Mission |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2018/10/07/saocom-1a-mission |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008133632/https://www.spacex.com/news/2018/10/07/saocom-1a-mission |archive-date=8 October 2018 |access-date=8 October 2018 |publisher=[[SpaceX]] }}</ref>
=== Drone ships ===
{{Main|Autonomous spaceport drone ship}}
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== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
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