View source for Falcon 9

{{Use dmy dates}}
{{Infobox rocket
| name           = Falcon 9
| logo           = Falcon 9 logo.svg
| logo_alt       = Logo of the Falcon 9
| image          = SpaceX Demo-2 Launch (NHQ202005300044) (cropped).jpg
| alt            = Ground-level view of a Falcon 9 lifting off from its launch pad
| caption        = A Falcon 9 lifting off from [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] carrying [[Demo-2]].

| function       = [[Orbital spaceflight|Orbital]] [[launch vehicle]]
| manufacturer   = [[SpaceX]]
| country-origin = [[United States]]
| cpl            = {{plainlist|
* New: US$62 million (2020),<ref name=spacex-capabilities/>
* Reused: US$50 million (2019)<ref name="Starship2021">{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-targets-2021-commercial-starship-launch/|title=SpaceX targets 2021 commercial Starship launch|date=28 June 2019|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190828053242/https://spacenews.com/spacex%2Dtargets%2D2021%2Dcommercial%2Dstarship%2Dlaunch/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| height         = {{plainlist|
* '''[[Falcon 9 Full Thrust|FT]]''': {{cvt|70|m}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt|68.4|m}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt|54.9|m}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
| diameter       = {{cvt|3.7|m}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
| mass = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': {{cvt |549 |t|lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt|506|t|lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt|333|t|lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
| stages         = 2
| capacities =
  {{Infobox rocket/payload
  |location      = [[Low Earth orbit]] (LEO)
  |inclination   = 28.5°
  |kilos         = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': {{cvt |22.8 | t| lb}}<ref name=spacex-capabilities/> Expended <br/>{{cvt|15.6| t| lb}} when landing on [[Autonomous spaceport drone ship|ASDS]]
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt|13.1| t| lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt|10.4| t| lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
    }}
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/payload
  |location      = [[Geosynchronous transfer orbit]] (GTO)
  |inclination   = 27.0°
  |kilos         = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': {{cvt|8.3| t| lb}} Expended <br/>{{cvt|5.5| t| lb}} when landing on [[Autonomous spaceport drone ship|ASDS]]<ref name=spacex-capabilities/><br/>{{cvt|3.5| t| lb}} when RTLS<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/17/air-force-requirements-will-keep-spacex-from-recovering-falcon-9-booster-after-gps-launch/|title=Air Force requirements will keep SpaceX from landing Falcon 9 booster after GPS launch|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520110216/https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/17/air-force-requirements-will-keep-spacex-from-recovering-falcon-9-booster-after-gps-launch/|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt|4.8| t| lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt|4.5| t| lb}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
    }}
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/payload
  |location      = [[Heliocentric orbit|Mars transfer orbit]]
  |kilos         = '''FT''': {{cvt|4| t| lb}}<ref name=spacex-capabilities/>
  }}

|derivatives     = [[Falcon Heavy]]
|status          = {{plainlist|
* '''[[Falcon 9 Full Thrust Block 5|FT Block 5]]''': Active<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a20152543/spacex-test-fire-new-falcon-9-block-5/|title=SpaceX Test-Fires New Falcon 9 Block 5 Rocket Ahead of Maiden Flight (Updated)|first=Robin|last=Seemangal|date=4 May 2018|publisher=Popular Mechanics|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407102712/https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a20152543/spacex-test-fire-new-falcon-9-block-5/|archive-date=7 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''FT Block 4''': Retired
* '''FT Block 3''': Retired
* '''v1.1''': Retired
* '''v1.0''': Retired
}}
|sites           = {{plainlist|
* [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station|Cape Canaveral]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]]
* [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]
* [[Vandenberg Air Force Base|Vandenberg]], [[Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4|SLC-4E]]
}}
|launches        = {{flatlist|
* [[List of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches|{{Falcon rocket statistics|F9launch}}]]
** '''FT''': {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTlaunch}}
** '''v1.1''': 15
** '''v1.0''': 5
}}
|success         = {{flatlist|
* {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9success}}
** '''FT''': {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTsuccess}}
** '''v1.1''': 14
** '''v1.0''': 4
}}
|fail            = 1 <br>('''v1.1''': [[SpaceX CRS-7|CRS-7]] in-flight)
|partial         = 1 ('''v1.0''': [[SpaceX CRS-1|CRS-1]])<ref name="sn20121011">{{cite news |url=http://spacenews.com/orbcomm-craft-launched-by-falcon-9-falls-out-of-orbit/ |title=Orbcomm Craft Launched by Falcon 9 Falls out of Orbit |quote=[[Orbcomm]] requested that SpaceX carry one of their small satellites (weighing a few hundred pounds, versus Dragon at over 12,000 pounds)... The higher the orbit, the more test data [Orbcomm] can gather, so they requested that we attempt to restart and raise altitude. NASA agreed to allow that, but only on condition that there be substantial propellant reserves, since the orbit would be close to the [[International Space Station]]. It is important to appreciate that [[Orbcomm]] understood from the beginning that the orbit-raising maneuver was tentative. They accepted that there was a high risk of their satellite remaining at the Dragon insertion orbit... |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |publisher=Space News |date=15 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2012 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001052306/https://spacenews.com/orbcomm-craft-launched-by-falcon-9-falls-out-of-orbit/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|other_outcome   = 1 ('''FT''': [[Amos-6]] pre-flight destruction)
|landings        = {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9Landingsuccess}} / {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9Landingattempt}} attempts
|first           = {{plainlist|
* '''FT Block 5''': 11 May 2018 <br/>([[Bangabandhu Satellite-1]])
* '''FT''': 22 December 2015 <br/>([[Falcon 9 flight 20|OG2 Flight 2]])<ref name="nasaspaceflight.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/12/spacex-rtf-core-return-attempt-og2/|title=SpaceX returns to flight with OG2, nails historic core return|last1=Graham|first1=William|publisher=NASASpaceFlight|access-date=22 December 2015|date=21 December 2015|quote=The launch also marked the first flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, internally known only as the "Upgraded Falcon 9"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222224303/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/12/spacex-rtf-core-return-attempt-og2/|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''v1.1''': 29 September 2013<br/>[[CASSIOPE]]<ref name=nsfdc20130929>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/spacex-debut-falcon-9-v1-1-cassiope-launch/|title=SpaceX successfully launches debut Falcon 9 v1.1|last=Graham|first=Will|publisher=NASASpaceFlight|access-date=29 September 2013|date=29 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929164727/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/spacex-debut-falcon-9-v1-1-cassiope-launch/|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''v1.0''': 4 June 2010<br/>[[Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit|(Dragon COTS Demo 1)]]<ref name="MSDB"/>
}}
|last            = {{plainlist|
* '''FT Block 5''': 31 January 2022 Eastern (CSG-2) <!-- UPDATE after each launch/CREATE new page for each significant launch (WP:Notability) -->
* '''FT Block 4''': 29 June 2018 ([[SpaceX CRS-15]])
* '''v1.1''': 17 January 2016<br/>([[Jason-3]])
* '''v1.0''': 1 March 2013<br/>([[SpaceX CRS-2]])
}}
|stagedata = 
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type          = stage
  |stageno       = First
  |name          = <!-- name of the stage optional -->
  |length        = <!-- length of a single stage in metres, use {{cvt|LENGTH|m}}, optional -->
  |diameter      = <!-- diameter of a single stage in metres, use {{cvt|DIAMETER|m}}, optional -->
  |empty         = <!-- empty mass of a single stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|EMPTYMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |gross         = <!-- gross (fuelled) mass of a single stage, use {{cvt|GROSSMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |propmass      = <!-- propellant mass carried by a single stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|PROPMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |engines       = {{plainlist|
* '''FT Block 5''': 9 [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin 1D]]+ (maximum thrust)
* '''FT''': 9 [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin 1D]]+
* '''v1.1''': 9 [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin 1D]]
* '''v1.0''': 9 [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin 1C]]
}}
  |thrust        = {{plainlist|
* '''FT <small>(late 2016)</small>''': {{cvt|7.6| MN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2016/>
* '''FT''': {{cvt|6.8| MN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt|5.9| MN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt|4.9| MN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
  |SI            = {{plainlist|
* '''v1.1'''
** '''Sea level''': {{cvt|282|isp|km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-v1.1-si>{{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=16 November 2012}}</ref>
** '''Vacuum''': {{cvt|311|isp|km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-v1.1-si/>
* '''v1.0'''
** '''Sea level''': {{cvt|275|isp|km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
** '''Vacuum''': {{cvt|304|isp|km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
  |burntime      = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': 162 seconds<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': 180 seconds<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': 170 seconds
}}
  |fuel          =[[LOX]] / [[RP-1]]
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type          = stage
  |stageno       = Second
  |length        = <!-- length of a single stage in metres, use {{cvt|LENGTH|m}}, optional -->
  |diameter      = <!-- diameter of a single stage in metres, use {{cvt|DIAMETER|m}}, optional -->
  |empty         = <!-- empty mass of a single stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|EMPTYMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |gross         = <!-- gross (fuelled) mass of a single stage, use {{cvt|GROSSMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |propmass      = <!-- propellant mass carried by a single stage in kilograms, use {{cvt|PROPMASS|kg}}, optional -->
  |engines       = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': 1 [[Merlin 1D Vacuum]]+
* '''v1.1''': 1 Merlin 1D Vacuum
* '''v1.0''': 1 [[Merlin 1C Vacuum]]
}}
  |thrust        = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': {{cvt| 934| kN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt| 801| kN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt| 617| kN| t-f lbf}}<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
  |SI            = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': {{cvt| 348| isp| km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': {{cvt| 340| isp| km/s}}<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': {{cvt| 342| isp| km/s}}<ref name="SpaceX March 10, 2009"/>
}}
  |burntime      = {{plainlist|
* '''FT''': 397 seconds<ref name=falcon9-2015/>
* '''v1.1''': 375 seconds<ref name=falcon9-2013/>
* '''v1.0''': 345 seconds<ref name=falcon9-2010/>
}}
  |fuel          = LOX / RP-1
  }}
}}

'''Falcon 9''' is a two-stage [[medium-lift launch vehicle|rocket]]. It was designed and manufactured by [[SpaceX]] in the [[United States]]. Parts of the rocket can be used more than one time. The latest version of the first stage can return to Earth and be flown again many times. Both the first and second stages are powered by [[SpaceX Merlin]] engines. They use [[cryogenic]] [[liquid oxygen]] and rocket-grade [[kerosene]] ([[RP-1]]) as fuel. Its name comes from the fictional [[Star Wars]] [[spacecraft]], the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]''. The 9 is for the nine engines of the rocket's first stage.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Malik|first1=Tariq|title=These SpaceX Rocket Landing Photos Are Simply Jaw-Dropping|date=19 January 2017 |url=https://www.space.com/35381-spectacular-spacex-rocket-landing-photos.html|publisher=Space.com|access-date=20 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620103502/https://www.space.com/35381-spectacular-spacex-rocket-landing-photos.html |archive-date=20 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Thomas|first1=Rachael L.|title=SpaceX's rockets and spacecraft have really cool names. But what do they mean?|url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2019/04/29/spacex-names-of-course-i-still-love-you-millennium-falcon-dragon-meaning/3621453002/|publisher=Florida Today|access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625010334/https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2019/04/29/spacex-names-of-course-i-still-love-you-millennium-falcon-dragon-meaning/3621453002/ |archive-date=25 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> There have been many versions of the rocket. These include [[Falcon 9 v1.0|v1.0]] (2010–2013), [[Falcon 9 v1.1|v1.1]] (2013–2016) and  [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust|v1.2 Full Thrust]] (2015–present). It also includes the [[Falcon 9 Block 5]] version.

It also includes the [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust Block 5|Block 5]] Full Thrust version. This version has been used since May 2018. Most rockets can only be used one time. SpaceX has landed Falcon 9 boosters over a hundred times. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1473236198722179072 |title=SpaceX on Twitter|date=2021-12-21|access-date=21 December 2021}}</ref> The first stages have been used as many as eleven times.<ref name=1st11thReuse>{{Cite web|last=Sesnic|first=Trevor|date=2021-12-18|title=SpaceX Falcon 9 completes rare 53 degree inclination launch from Vandenberg|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/starlink-4-4/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=NASASpaceFlight.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

Falcon 9 can carry of up to {{convert|22800|kg}} to [[low Earth orbit]] (LEO). If fully used, it can carry {{cvt|8300|kg}} to [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO). The rocket can carry {{cvt|5500|kg}} to GTO when the first stage is recovered. It has a cargo size of ]145 cubic meters of volume<ref name="defensenews20151012">{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/10/12/iai-develops-small-electric-powered-comsat/73808432/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160506100458/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/10/12/iai-develops-small-electric-powered-comsat/73808432/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 May 2016 |title=IAI Develops Small, Electric-Powered COMSAT|publisher=DefenseNews|date=12 October 2015|access-date=12 October 2015|author=Barbara Opall-Rome|quote=At 5.3 tons, Amos-6 is the largest communications satellite ever built by IAI. Scheduled for launch in early 2016 from [[Cape Canaveral]] aboard a Space-X Falcon 9 launcher, [[Amos-6]] will replace [[Amos-2]], which is nearing the end of its 16-year life.}}</ref> The heaviest GTO loads carried have been [[Intelsat 35e]] ({{cvt|6761|kg}}) and [[Telstar 19V]] ({{cvt|7075|kg}}).   

In 2008, SpaceX won a [[Commercial Resupply Services]] (CRS) contract in [[NASA]]'s [[Commercial Orbital Transportation Services]] (COTS) program. They would take cargo to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) using the Falcon 9 and [[Dragon capsule]]. The first mission under this contract launched on 8 October 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19867358|title=SpaceX lifts off with ISS cargo|first=Jonathan|last=Amos|work=BBC News|date=8 October 2012|access-date=3 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120081146/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19867358|archive-date=20 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Falcon 9 can take NASA astronauts to the ISS. It is also certified for the [[National Security Space Launch]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kucinski|first1=William|title=All four NSSL launch vehicle developers say they'll be ready in 2021|url=https://saemobilus.sae.org/advanced-manufacturing/news/2019/08/all-four-nssl-launch-vehicle-developers-say-they%E2%80%99ll-be-ready-in-2021|publisher=Sae Mobilus|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029025820/https://saemobilus.sae.org/advanced-manufacturing/news/2019/08/all-four-nssl-launch-vehicle-developers-say-they%25E2%2580%2599ll-be-ready-in-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> program and NASA [[Launch Services Program]] as "Category 3". This means it can be used with the most expensive, important and complex NASA missions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wall|first1=Mike|title=SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket Certified to Launch NASA's Most Precious Science Missions|date=9 November 2018 |url=https://www.space.com/42387-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-nasa-certification.html|publisher=Space.com|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029025819/https://www.space.com/42387-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-nasa-certification.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Falcon 9 is said to be the world's most advanced space launch vehicle by many sources.<ref>{{cite web

|last1=Light|first1=Larry|title=SpaceX, The Pursuit Of Quality And The Law Of The Diagonal|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrylight/2020/08/17/spacex-the-pursuit-of-quality-and-the-law-of-the-diagonal/#3cb5803642fa|work=Forbes|access-date=17 August 2020|quote="SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft".|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127010405/https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrylight/2020/08/17/spacex-the-pursuit-of-quality-and-the-law-of-the-diagonal/#3cb5803642fa|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web

|last1=Arevalo|first1=Evelyn|title=NASA modified SpaceX contract to allow the reuse of previously-flown Falcon 9 rockets|url=https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/falcon-9-nasa|publisher=Tesmanian|access-date=17 August 2020|quote="The company has designed and manufactured some of the world's most advanced rockets".|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803003632/https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/falcon-9-nasa|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web

|title=SpaceX - Reusable Rockets|url=https://theindexproject.org/award/nominees/1692|publisher=The Index Project|access-date=17 August 2020|quote="Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are the worlds most advanced rockets - and they're reusable!"|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145725/https://theindexproject.org/award/nominees/1692|url-status=live

}}</ref> As of January 2021, Falcon 9 has the most launches among all U.S. rockets that are currently being used. It is the only U.S. rocket fully certified for transporting humans to the International Space Station.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cawley |first1=James |title=NASA and SpaceX Complete Certification of First Human-Rated Commercial Space System |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-and-spacex-complete-certification-of-first-human-rated-commercial-space-system |website=NASA |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224102322/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-and-spacex-complete-certification-of-first-human-rated-commercial-space-system/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Berger |first1=Eric |title=The Falcon 9 just became America's workhorse rocket |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/the-falcon-9-just-became-americas-workhorse-rocket/ |website=Arstechnica |date=22 April 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423073619/https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/the-falcon-9-just-became-americas-workhorse-rocket/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |title=Happy birthday, Falcon 9! SpaceX's workhorse rocket debuted 10 years ago today |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-first-falcon-9-rocket-launch-10-years.html |website=Space.com |date=4 June 2020 |access-date=4 June 2020 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604225718/https://www.space.com/spacex-first-falcon-9-rocket-launch-10-years.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is also the only commercial rocket to take humans to orbit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2244889-nasa-and-spacex-launch-astronauts-into-new-era-of-private-spaceflight/|title=NASA and SpaceX launch astronauts into new era of private spaceflight|date=30 May 2020|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212001816/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2244889-nasa-and-spacex-launch-astronauts-into-new-era-of-private-spaceflight/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 January 2021, Falcon 9 [[Transporter-1 (spaceflight)|set a new record]] for the most [[satellite]]s launched by a single rocket. It carried 143 satellites into orbit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wattles |first1=Jackie |title=SpaceX launches 143 satellites on one rocket in record-setting mission |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/24/tech/spacex-rideshare-transporter-mission-scn/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124154743/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/24/tech/spacex-rideshare-transporter-mission-scn/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Five rockets of the version 1.0 design were launched from June 2010 to March 2013. Version 1.1 had fifteen launches from September 2013 to January 2016. The "[[Falcon 9 Full Thrust|Full Thrust]]" version has been used since December 2015. There are many upgrades to this version. The latest Full Thrust variant, Block 5, was introduced in May 2018.<ref name=cooper>{{cite web|url=http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html|title=Rocket Launch Viewing Guide for Cape Canaveral|website=launchphotography.com|first=Ben |last=Cooper|date=25 April 2018|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209063848/http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html|archive-date=9 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It has more thrust, improved landing legs and other minor improvements to help recovery and reuse. The [[Falcon Heavy]] version was first flown in February 2018. It has a stronger Falcon 9 first stage as its center core. It also has two added Falcon 9 first stages used as boosters. SpaceX plans to replace Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy with the much larger [[SpaceX Starship|Starship]] launch system.<ref>Jeff Foust (29 September 2017). "[https://spacenews.com/musk-unveils-revised-version-of-giant-interplanetary-launch-system/ Musk unveils revised version of giant interplanetary launch system] {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171008075705/http://spacenews.com/musk-unveils-revised-version-of-giant-interplanetary-launch-system/|date=8 October 2017}}". ''[[SpaceNews]]''. Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.</ref>

== Development history ==
[[File:Falcon9 rocket family.svg|thumb|290px|left|Falcon 9 rocket family; from left to right: [[Falcon 9 v1.0]], [[Falcon 9 v1.1|v1.1]], [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust|Full Thrust]], [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust Block 5|Block 5]], and [[Falcon Heavy]].]]

=== Conception and funding ===
In October 2005, SpaceX said it was going to launch Falcon 9 in the first half of 2007.<ref name="nsf20051010">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2005/10/spacex-reveals-falcon-1-halloween-date/|title=SpaceX reveals Falcon 1 Halloween date|publisher=NASASpaceflight|date=10 October 2005|access-date=31 January 2019|archive-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131093831/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2005/10/spacex-reveals-falcon-1-halloween-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first launch took place in 2010.

SpaceX spent its own money to create the [[Falcon 1]]. Creating the Falcon 9 was faster because [[NASA]] helped with the cost. They also said they would buy several commercial flights. This started with money from the [[Commercial Orbital Transportation Services]] (COTS) program in 2006.<ref name="Lindenmoyer quoted"/><ref name="NASA COTS-2006">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/offices/c3po/about/cots_demo_competition.html|title=COTS 2006 Demo Competition|date=18 January 2006|publisher=NASA|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622173238/https://www.nasa.gov/offices/c3po/about/cots_demo_competition.html|archive-date=22 June 2017|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The contract was a [[Space Act Agreement]] (SAA) "to develop and demonstrate commercial orbital transportation service".<ref name="NASA COTS-2006"/> It included NASA paying for of three demonstration flights.<ref name="NASA-SAA2006">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/offices/c3po/partners/spacex/|title=Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)|publisher=NASA|date=24 October 2016|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-date=24 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024040728/http://www.nasa.gov/offices/c3po/partners/spacex/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The contract was US$278 million to provide development funding for [[Dragon spacecraft|Dragon]], Falcon 9, and demonstration launches of Falcon 9 with Dragon. In 2011 other milestones were added, This made the total contract value US$396 million.<ref name="gerstenmaier2011">{{cite web |url=http://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/hearings/052611_Gerstenmaier%20Testimony.pdf|title=Statement of William H. Gerstenmaier Associate Administrator for Space Operations before the Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics U.S. House of Representatives|date=26 May 2011|publisher=U.S. House of Representatives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908162906/https://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/hearings/052611_Gerstenmaier%20Testimony.pdf|archive-date=8 September 2016|access-date=8 September 2016|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

NASA became the main user for the vehicle in 2008.<ref name="anchor">{{cite press release|author=SpaceX|url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/02/09/spacexs-dragon-spacecraft-successfully-re-enters-orbit|title=SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully re-enters from orbit|date=15 December 2010|access-date=2 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006095016/http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/02/09/spacexs-dragon-spacecraft-successfully-re-enters-orbit|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|quote="The government is the necessary anchor tenant for commercial cargo, but it's not sufficient to build a new economic ecosystem", says Scott Hubbard, an aeronautics researcher at [[Stanford University]] in California and former director of NASA's [[Ames Research Center]] in Moffett Field, California.|first=Stewart|last=Money|url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2042/2|title=Competition and the future of the EELV program (part 2)|publisher=The Space Review|date=12 March 2012|access-date=2 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006130240/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2042/2|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> They agreed to buy 12 [[Commercial Resupply Services]] launches to the [[International Space Station]]. The money would be paid after the demonstration missions were completed successfully. The [[space logistics]] delivery contract was worth US$1.6 billion for a minimum of 12 missions to carry supplies to and from the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="COTSwon">{{cite press release|url=http://www.spacex.com/press/2012/12/19/nasa-selects-spacexs-falcon-9-booster-and-dragon-spacecraft-cargo-resupply|title=NASA selects SpaceX's Falcon 9 booster and Dragon spacecraft for cargo resupply|date=23 December 2008|author=SpaceX|access-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323030810/http://www.spacex.com/press/2012/12/19/nasa-selects-spacexs-falcon-9-booster-and-dragon-spacecraft-cargo-resupply|archive-date=23 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Elon Musk]] has said that it would have taken longer without the NASA money.<blockquote>SpaceX has only come this far by building upon the incredible achievements of NASA, having NASA as an anchor tenant for launch, and receiving expert advice and mentorship throughout the development process. SpaceX would like to extend a special thanks to the NASA COTS office for their continued support and guidance throughout this process. The COTS program has demonstrated the power of a true private/public partnership, and we look forward to the exciting endeavors our team will accomplish in the future.<ref name="anchor"/></blockquote>

In 2011, SpaceX saidthat Falcon 9 v1.0 costs were about US$300 million.<ref name="SpaceX May 4, 2011"/> NASA said that costs would have been US$3.6 billion if a traditional [[cost-plus contract]] approach had been used.<ref name="NAFCOM.pdf"/> In 2014, SpaceX released total costs for both the Falcon 9 and the Dragon capsule. NASA provided US$396 million. SpaceX provided over US$450 million.<ref name="AtlanticCouncil20140604">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYocHwhfFDc |title=Discussion with Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX|publisher=Atlantic Council|first=Gwynne|last=Shotwell|time=12:20–13:10|date=4 June 2014|access-date=8 June 2014|quote="NASA ultimately gave us about $396 million; SpaceX put in over $450 million ... [for an] EELV-class launch vehicle ... as well as a capsule".|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125082949/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYocHwhfFDc|archive-date=25 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

A 2011 NASA report said that it would have cost them about US$4 billion to develop a rocket like the Falcon 9 booster. "A more commercial development" approach might have let the agency to pay only US$1.7 billion".<ref name="Ars_Tech_seeks_gov_funding">[https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/07/spacex-urges-lawmakers-to-commercialize-deep-space-exploration/ "SpaceX goes there—seeks government funds for deep space"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715014322/https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/07/spacex-urges-lawmakers-to-commercialize-deep-space-exploration/|date=15 July 2017}} Ars Technica 13 July 2017</ref>

[[United States Congress|Congressional ]]testimony by SpaceX in 2017 said that the normal NASA process of setting only a requirement and leaving the details to SpaceX let them make the Falcon 9 rocket at a muchlower cost. 

=== Development ===
At first, SpaceX wanted to follow the [[Falcon 1]] with a larger capacity vehicle, the Falcon 5.<ref name="msnbc2005">{{cite web|last=David|first=Leonard|title=SpaceX tackles reusable heavy launch vehicle|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/9262092|work=MSNBC|publisher=NBC News|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521101625/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9262092|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, SpaceX said it was working on the Falcon 9 instead. They said that they already had a government customer. The Falcon 9 was said to be able of carrying approximately {{convert|9500|kg}} to low Earth orbit. They said it would cost US$27 million per flight with a {{convert|3.7|m}} [[payload]]. It would cost US$35 million with a {{convert|5.2|m}} payload. SpaceX also said a heavy version of the Falcon 9 would have a payload capacity of about {{convert|25000|kg}}.<ref name="SpaceX 2005-09-08"/> The Falcon 9 was intended to enable launches to [[Low-Earth orbit]] (LEO), [[Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit]] (GTO), as well as both crew and cargo vehicles to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS).<ref name="msnbc2005"/> The rocket was not full reusable at this time. This caused the price estimates to be higher than expected.

=== Testing ===
The original NASA contract called for a demonstration flight of Falcon in September 2008. It also called for all three demonstration missions to be done by September 2009.<ref name="Space Act"/> In February 2008, the plan for the first demo flight was delayed until early 2009. According to Elon Musk, the delay was  caused by how cpmplex the work was the rules for launching from [[Cape Canaveral]].<ref name="flightglobal 2008-02-27"/>

The first test with two engines connected to the first stage was done in January 2008.<ref name="SpaceX 18 January 2008"/> Other tests led to the Falcon 9 being tested with nine engines. The engine were tested for a full mission length (178 seconds for stage one) in November 2008.<ref name="SpaceX November 23, 2008"/> In October 2009, the first stage had a successful all-engine test fire for the first time. This was done  in [[McGregor, Texas]]. In November 2009, SpaceX held the first test of the second stage. This test lasted forty seconds. In January 2010, a full-duration (329 seconds)  firing of the Falcon 9 second stage was held.<ref>{{cite web|title=Merlin Vacuum Engine Test|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkdReoxGHG8|website=Youtube|access-date=23 February 2015|date=12 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212202538/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkdReoxGHG8|archive-date=12 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> SpaceX  scheduled launch date of March 2010. 

In February 2010, SpaceX's first flight stack was set up at [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|Space Launch Complex 40]], [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station|Cape Canaveral]].<ref name="SpaceX February 25, 2010"/> On 9 March 2010, SpaceX  was to test-fire the first stage. The test was stopped 2 seconds before firing. This was because of a failure in the system designed to pump high-pressure [[helium]] from the [[launch pad]] into the first stage. The problem was with the pad and not with the rocket itself. All of Falcon 9's systems leading up to the abort worked as expected. Another test on 13 March 2010 was successful.<ref name="universetoday March 13, 2010"/>

=== Production ===
In December 2010, SpaceX was making one Falcon 9 (and Dragon spacecraft) every three months. They wanted to double the rate to one every six weeks.<ref name="spacedotcom20101209"/> By September 2013, SpaceX's manufacturing space had increased to nearly {{convert|93000|m2}}. The factory had set up to make 40 rocket cores per year.<ref name=sxProd20130924>{{cite web|title=Production at SpaceX|url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/09/24/production-spacex|date=24 September 2013|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=29 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403055117/http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/09/24/production-spacex|archive-date=3 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The factory was making one Falcon 9 vehicle per month as of November 2013. The company wanted to increase that to 18 vehicles per year in mid-2014 and  24 per year by the end of 2014.<ref name=aw20131124>{{cite news|last=Svitak|first=Amy|title=Musk: Falcon 9 Will Capture Market Share|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_11_24_2013_p0-640244.xml|access-date=28 November 2013|newspaper=Aviation Week|date=24 November 2013|quote=SpaceX is currently producing one vehicle per month, but that number is expected to increase to '18 per year in the next couple of quarters'. By the end of 2014, she says SpaceX will produce 24 launch vehicles per year.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131128130723/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_11_24_2013_p0-640244.xml|archive-date=28 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bbc20131203>{{cite news|last=Amos|first=Jonathan|title=SpaceX launches SES commercial TV satellite for Asia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25210742|access-date=11 December 2013|publisher=BBC|date=3 December 2013|quote=The commercial market for launching telecoms spacecraft is tightly contested, but has become dominated by just a few companies – notably, Europe's [[Arianespace]], which flies the [[Ariane 5]], and [[International Launch Services]] (ILS), which markets [[Russia|Russia's]] [[Proton (rocket family)|Proton vehicle]]. SpaceX is promising to substantially undercut the existing players on price, and [[SES S.A.|SES]], the world's second-largest telecoms satellite operator, believes the incumbents had better take note of the California company's capability.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102045752/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25210742|archive-date=2 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> They wanted to be making 40 rocket cores per year by the end of 2015.<ref name=aw20140310>{{cite news|last=Svitak|first=Amy|title=SpaceX Says Falcon 9 To Compete For EELV This Year|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_03_10_2014_p48-668592.xml|access-date=11 March 2014|publisher=Aviation Week|date=10 March 2014|quote=Within a year, we need to get it from where it is right now, which is about a rocket core every four weeks, to a rocket core every two weeks... By the end of 2015, says [[Gwynne Shotwell|SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell]], the company plans to ratchet up production to 40 cores per year.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310123118/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2FAW_03_10_2014_p48-668592.xml|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

These production rates were not achieved by February 2016. The company said that production rate for Falcon 9 cores had only increased to 18 per year. They also said that the number of first stage cores that can be made at one time had doubled from three to six. The rate was expected to grow to 30 cores per year by the end of 2016.<ref name=sn20160204>{{cite news|last=Foust|first=Jeff|url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year|publisher=SpaceNews|date=4 February 2016|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=9 February 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> Still, By August 2016, SpaceX was working towards a production capacity of 40 cores per year.<ref name=texasmonthly201608>{{cite news|last=Martinez|first=Domingo|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/countdown-to-liftoff/|title=Countdown to Liftoff|publisher=Texas Monthly|date=August 2016|access-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822171005/http://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/countdown-to-liftoff/|archive-date=22 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Since 2018, SpaceX has usually reused first stages. This has reduced the need for new cores. In 2021, SpaceX had 31 F9 launches. Only two of those used new boosters. They recovered the booster on all but one flight.

== Design ==
[[File:Falcon 9.stl|alt=Interactive 3D model of the Falcon 9|thumb|270px|upright=1.4|Interactive 3D model of the Falcon 9, fully integrated on the left and in exploded view on the right.]]

The Falcon 9 is a two-stage [[heavy-lift launch vehicle|rocket]]. it is powered by [[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] and [[RP-1]].   Both stages have [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin 1D]] rocket engines. The first stage has nine that are adapted for use at sea-level. The second stage has one that is adapted for use in a [[vacuum]]. The engines uses a [[pyrophoricity|pyrophoric]] mixture of [[triethylaluminum]]-[[triethylborane]] (TEA-TEB) to ignite the engine.<ref name="sfn20100602"/> The first stage engines are set in a form SpaceX calls "[[Falcon 9 v1.1|Octaweb]]."<ref name="sxn20130802octaweb">{{cite web|title=Octaweb |url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/04/12/falcon-heavy-octaweb|publisher=SpaceX News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703135212/http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/04/12/falcon-heavy-octaweb|date=12 April 2013|access-date=2 August 2013|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Many cores have four landing legs at the base of the Octaweb.<ref name="sxn20130802fh_legs">{{cite web|title=Landing Legs|url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/04/12/falcon-heavy-landing-legs|date=12 April 2013|publisher=SpaceX News|access-date=2 August 2013|quote=The Falcon Heavy first stage center core and boosters each carry landing legs, which will land each core safely on Earth after takeoff.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703135207/http://www.spacex.com/news/2013/04/12/falcon-heavy-landing-legs |archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> To control the core while it falls through the [[atmosphere]], SpaceX uses [[grid fins]]. They deploy from the vehicle after separation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kremer|first1=Ken|title=Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch and Booster Recovery Featured in Cool New SpaceX Animation|url=http://www.universetoday.com/118549/falcon-heavy-rocket-launch-and-booster-recovery-featured-in-cool-new-spacex-animation/|publisher=Universe Today|access-date=12 February 2015|date=27 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825183922/https://www.universetoday.com/118549/falcon-heavy-rocket-launch-and-booster-recovery-featured-in-cool-new-spacex-animation/|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The legs deploy moments before landing.<ref name=pm20120207>{{cite news|last=Simberg|first=Rand|title=Elon Musk on SpaceX's Reusable Rocket Plans |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a7446/elon-musk-on-spacexs-reusable-rocket-plans-6653023/|publisher=Popular Mechanics|date=8 February 2012|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624061845/http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a7446/elon-musk-on-spacexs-reusable-rocket-plans-6653023/|archive-date=24 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


The propellant tank walls and domes are made from [[aluminum–lithium alloy]].  The second stage tank of a Falcon 9 is a shorter version of the first stage tank. This decreases the cost to make them.<ref name="falcon9-2010"/> The connection between the two stages is a [[carbon-fiber]] and [[aluminum|aluminum-core]] structure. The original stage separation system had twelve attachment points. This was which was reduced to three in the v1.1 launcher.<ref name="sn20130906">{{cite news |last=Klotz|first=Irene|title=Musk Says SpaceX Being "Extremely Paranoid" as It Readies for Falcon 9's California Debut|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s|access-date=13 September 2013|publisher=Space News|date=6 September 2013|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130922163105/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s|archive-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Falcon 9 uses a [[payload fairing]] to protect [[satellite]]s during launch. The fairing is {{cvt|13|m}} long, {{cvt|5.2|m}} in diameter, weighs approximately {{cvt|1900|kg}}.  It is made of a carbon fiber skin on an aluminum [[honeycomb]] core.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflight101.net/falcon-9-launch-vehicle-information.html|title=Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Information|website=Spaceflight101 |access-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214449/http://www.spaceflight101.net/falcon-9-launch-vehicle-information.html|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Testing of the design was done at NASA's [[Plum Brook Station]] facility in spring 2013.<ref name=cpd20130525>{{cite news|last=Mangels|first=John|url=http://www.cleveland.com/science/index.ssf/2013/05/nasas_plum_brook_station_tests.html|title=NASA's Plum Brook Station tests rocket fairing for SpaceX|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604062855/http://www.cleveland.com/science/index.ssf/2013/05/nasas_plum_brook_station_tests.html|date=25 May 2013|access-date=27 May 2013|archive-date=4 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

SpaceX uses multiple flight computers. This makes the system less affected by faults. Each [[Merlin (rocket engine family)|Merlin rocket engine]] is controlled by three computers. Each of these computers has two processors that check each other. The software runs on [[Linux]]. It is written in [[C++]].<ref name=aw20121118/> Each stage has its own flight computers. This is in addition to the controllers on each engine.  Each engine microcontroller [[CPU]] runs on a [[PowerPC]] architecture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://schedule.gdconf.com/session/engineer-the-future-presented-by-spacex|title=Schedule|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225161708/http://schedule.gdconf.com/session/engineer-the-future-presented-by-spacex|archive-date=25 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Falcon 9 rocket can lose up to two of the engines and still complete the mission. Each engine creates {{cvt|854|kN}} of thrust.<ref name="falconguide202004">{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf |title=Falcon User's Guide |publisher=SpaceX |date=April 2020 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202093334/https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Launcher versions ==
The Falcon 9 v1.0 flew five times in 2010–2013. The Falcon 9 v1.1 made its first flight in September 2013. The mission carried a very small {{cvt|500|kg}} payload, the [[CASSIOPE]] satellite.<ref name=sn20130906/> It later launched larger things. This included the [[SES-8]] [[Geostationary orbit|GEO]] [[communications satellite]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Chris Forrester|title=Beyond Frontiers|year=2016|page=12|publisher=Broadgate Publications}}</ref> Both Falcon 9 v1.0 and Falcon 9 v1.1 were [[expendable launch vehicle]]s (ELVs). The [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust]] made its first flight in December 2015. The first stage of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust version can be used many times. The current version, known as [[Falcon 9 Block 5]], made its first flight in May 2018.

== Pricing ==
In 2010, the price of a Falcon 9 v1.0 launch was US$49.9 to US$56 million.<ref name=falcon9-2010/> By 2012, the listed price range had increased to US$54–US$59.5 million.<ref name=falcon9-2012/> In August 2013, the price for a Falcon 9 v1.1 was US$56.5 million;<ref name=capabilities-2013/> it was raised to US$61.2 million by June 2014.<ref name=capabilities-2014/> Since May 2016, the price for a Falcon 9 Full Thrust mission (allowing booster recovery) is US$62 million.<ref name=spacex-capabilities/> [[SpaceX Dragon|Dragon]] cargo missions to the ISS have an average cost of US$133 million <ref name="spacexcostsusa">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/usa.php |title=Why the US can beat China: the facts about SpaceX costs|date=4 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328121051/http://www.spacex.com/usa.php|archive-date=28 March 2013}}</ref> The [[Deep Space Climate Observatory|DSCOVR]] mission, for [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA), cost US$97 million.<ref name="spacexcostsdscovr">{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1212/06spacexdod/#.Vf3_4_lViko|title=SpaceX books first two launches with U.S. military|date=12 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200053/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1212/06spacexdod/#.Vf3_4_lViko|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004, [[Elon Musk]] said "long term plans call for development of a heavy lift product and even a super-heavy, if there is customer demand. [...] Ultimately, I believe US$500 per pound (US$1100/kg) [of payload delivered to orbit] or less is very achievable".<ref name="spaceref May 5, 2004"/> At its 2016 price, a [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust|Falcon 9 FT]] launch costs just over US{{cvt|2700|$/kg}}.

In 2011, Musk estimated that materials needed for the Falcon 9 v1.0 launch cost about US$200,000.<ref name="c-span 2012-01-14"/> The first stage uses {{cvt|245620|L}} of [[liquid oxygen]] and {{cvt|146020|L}} of [[RP-1]] fuel,<ref name=vafb-environmental/> while the second stage uses {{cvt|28000|L}} of liquid oxygen and {{cvt|17000|L}} of RP-1.<ref name=spacex-capabilities/>

In October 2019, data from NASA showed that the Falcon 9's "base price" of US$62 million per launch would be lowered to US$52 million for flights scheduled in 2021 and beyond.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Forrester|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX reduces launch costs|date=8 October 2019 |url=https://advanced-television.com/2019/10/08/spacex-reduces-launch-costs/|publisher=Advanced Television|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008204908/https://advanced-television.com/2019/10/08/spacex-reduces-launch-costs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[CNBC]] reported in April 2020 that the [[United States Air Force]]'s launches were costing US$95 million This was because of the extra security used. SpaceX executive Christopher Couluris stated that reusing rockets can bring prices even lower, that it "costs US$28 million to launch it, that's with everything".<ref name="inverse.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/innovation/spacex-elon-musk-falcon-9-economics |title=Elon MUSK Breaks Doen The Cost Of Rwusabke Rockets |access-date=10 September 2020 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823071213/https://www.inverse.com/innovation/spacex-elon-musk-falcon-9-economics |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:CRS-8 (26239020092).jpg|A first-stage [[booster]] rocket (Falcon 9, [[serial number]] B1021) after landing from [[SpaceX CRS-8|a flight in 2016]]. This rocket landed on a [[drone ship]].
</gallery>
== References ==
{{Reflist
|refs =

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<ref name="MSDB">{{cite web|url=http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/MissionData.php?mission=Falcon-9%20ELV%20First%20Flight%20Demonstration|title=Detailed Mission Data – Falcon-9 ELV First Flight Demonstration
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<ref name="SpaceX March 10, 2009">{{cite press release|title=SpaceX Falcon 9 Upper Stage Engine Successfully Completes Full Mission Duration Firing|url=http://www.spacex.com/press/2012/12/19/spacex-falcon-9-upper-stage-engine-successfully-completes-full-mission-duration|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213023346/http://www.spacex.com/press/2012/12/19/spacex-falcon-9-upper-stage-engine-successfully-completes-full-mission-duration|publisher=SpaceX|date=10 March 2009|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-date=13 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="falcon9-2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222155322/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php|title=Falcon 9 Overview (2010)|publisher=SpaceX |access-date=8 May 2010|archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref>

<ref name="sfn20100602">[http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/001/status.html Mission Status Center, June 2, 2010, 19:05 UTC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530232910/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html |date=30 May 2010 }}, ''SpaceflightNow'', accessed 2010-06-02, Quotation: ''"The flanges will link the rocket with ground storage tanks containing liquid oxygen, kerosene fuel, helium, gaserous nitrogen and the first stage ignitor source called triethylaluminum-triethylborane, better known as TEA-TAB"''.</ref>

<ref name="Lindenmoyer quoted">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/453605main_Commercial_Space_Minutes_4_26_2010.pdf|title=Minutes of the NAC Commercial Space Committee|date=26 April 2010|author=David J. Frankel|publisher=NASA|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043013/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/453605main_Commercial_Space_Minutes_4_26_2010.pdf|archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="SpaceX May 4, 2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/usa.php|title=THE FACTS ABOUT SPACEX COSTS|publisher=spacex.com|date=4 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328121051/http://www.spacex.com/usa.php|archive-date=28 March 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="NAFCOM.pdf">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/586023main_8-3-11_NAFCOM.pdf|title=Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle NAFCOM Cost Estimates|publisher=nasa.gov|date=August 2011|access-date=28 February 2012
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<ref name="SpaceX 2005-09-08">{{cite press release|url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=18|title=SpaceX Announces the Falcon 9 Fully Reusable Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle|date=8 September 2005|publisher=SpaceX|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815163222/http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=18|archive-date=15 August 2008|access-date=4 February 2022}}</ref>


<ref name="spacedotcom20101209">{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/10443-spacex-ceo-elon-musk-master-private-space-dragons.html|title=Q & A with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk: Master of Private Space Dragons |date=8 December 2010|author=Denise Chow|publisher=Space.com|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818154057/https://www.space.com/10443-spacex-ceo-elon-musk-master-private-space-dragons.html|archive-date=18 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Space Act">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/189228main_setc_nnj06ta26a.pdf|title=Space Act Agreement between NASA and Space Exploration Technologies, Inc., for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Demonstration|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041315/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/189228main_setc_nnj06ta26a.pdf|date=30 May 2006|publisher=NASA|archive-date=13 March 2017|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="flightglobal 2008-02-27">{{cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/27/221883/spacex-falcon-9-maiden-flight-delayed-by-six-months-to-late-q1.html|title=SpaceX Falcon 9 maiden flight delayed by six months to late Q1 2009|publisher=Flight Global|access-date=28 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302014629/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/27/221883/spacex-falcon-9-maiden-flight-delayed-by-six-months-to-late-q1.html|first=Rob|last=Coppinger|date=27 February 2008|archive-date=2 March 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SpaceX 18 January 2008">{{cite press release|url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=35|title=SpaceX Conducts First Multi-Engine Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket|date=18 January 2008|publisher=SpaceX
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<ref name="SpaceX November 23, 2008">{{cite press release|date=23 November 2008|url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20081123|title=SpaceX successfully conducts full mission-length firing of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=24 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209213502/http://spacex.com/press.php?page=20081123|archive-date=9 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="SpaceX February 25, 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/updates.php|title=Updates|date=25 February 2010|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=4 June 2010|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/60xxcuZPy?url=http://www.spacex.com/updates.php
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<ref name="universetoday March 13, 2010">{{cite news|url=http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/13/successful-engine-test-firing-for-spacex-inaugural-falcon-9/|title=Successful Engine Test Firing for SpaceX Inaugural Falcon 9|last=Kremer|first=Ken|publisher=Universe Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315172112/http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/13/successful-engine-test-firing-for-spacex-inaugural-falcon-9/|date=13 March 2010|archive-date=15 March 2010|access-date=4 June 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

<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=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007205105/http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities|archive-date=7 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=capabilities-2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities|publisher=SpaceX|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802105223/http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities |title=Capabilities & Services (2013)|archive-date=2 August 2013|date=28 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=capabilities-2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities|publisher=SpaceX|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607113251/http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities
|archive-date=7 June 2014|title=Capabilities & Services (2014)|date=28 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=falcon9-2012>{{cite web|title=Falcon 9 Overview (2012)|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=28 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323073919/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php|archive-date=23 March 2012|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=falcon9-2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=4 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129020000/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9 |title=Falcon 9 (2013)|archive-date=29 November 2013|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=falcon9-2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=3 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209044716/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9 |title=Falcon 9 (2015)|archive-date=9 December 2015|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=falcon9-2016>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=3 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715094112/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9 |title=Falcon 9 (2016)|archive-date=15 July 2013|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="vafb-environmental">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research/spacex_2016iha_draftea.pdf|title=Environmental Assessment, Boost-Back and Landing of the Falcon 9 First Stage at SLC-4 West|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201135344/http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research/spacex_2016iha_draftea.pdf
|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
}}

== Other Websites ==
{{Commons category|Falcon 9}}
{{Wikinews|SpaceX successfully test fires Falcon 9 rocket in Texas}}
* [https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/ Falcon 9 official page]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXgLyCYuYA4 SAOCOM 1B | Launch and Landing]
* Test firing of two Merlin 1C engines connected to Falcon 9 first stage, [http://mfile.akamai.com/22165/wmv/spacex.download.akamai.com/22165/PR35-1.asx Movie 1], [http://mfile.akamai.com/22165/wmv/spacex.download.akamai.com/22165/PR35-2.asx Movie 2] (18 January 2008)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130326183411/http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=18 Press release announcing design] (9 September 2005)
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/09/13/201518/spacex-hopes-to-supply-iss-with-new-falcon-9-heavy-launcher.html SpaceX hopes to supply ISS with new Falcon 9 heavy launcher] (Flight International, 13 September 2005)
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/09/spacex-launches-falcon-9-with-a-customer/index.php SpaceX launches Falcon 9, With A Customer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611193512/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/09/spacex-launches-falcon-9-with-a-customer/index.php |date=11 June 2007 }} (Defense Industry Daily, 15 September 2005)

{{SpaceX}}

[[Category:SpaceX]]
[[Category:2010 establishments]]
[[Category:Rockets]]