The Falcon Launch Vehicle: Towards Operationally Responsive Space

1. The Falcon Launch Vehicle: Towards Operationally Responsive Space Space Exploration Technologies 1310 Grand Avenue El Segundo, CA 90245 Phone (310) 414-6555 X 228 Fax (310) 414-6552 spacex.com The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this article are those of the author and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or the Department of Defense Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

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

3. Falcon SLV Technical Status • Kestrel development nearly complete robust c* efficiency indicating a 327 Isp (which exceeds goal) • Merlin component development complete; full engine development near complete • Structural qualification begun • Flight tankage in manufacture • Complete prototype vehicle integrated as a manufacturing pathfinder • Range telemetry successfully completed • Command and Control Van and transporter erector nearly complete Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

4. November 2003 Proto-Falcon final assembly on the precision manufacturing track Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

5. Falcon in Washington DC for its Unveiling Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

6. Technical Summary-- Falcon SLV • Payload capability: Over 1500 lbs to LEO (28.5 deg, 100 nm, circular) • Launch from Vandenberg, Kwajelein, and the Cape • Multiple manifest, multiple orbit • Very benign payload environment • $5.9M per launch plus range fees for single flight contracts • Vehicle flight ready by mid 2004 • Diameter 5.5’ tapering to 5’ • Length 68’ • 1st Stage Parachute/Water Recovery • 1st Stage Lox/RP1 • 2nd Stage Lox/RP1 Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

7. Falcon First Stage • Re-usable 1st Stage • Lox – RP1 Propellant • Aluminum 2219-T6 Tanks • “Flight Pressure Stabilized” Design • Common bulkhead • 94% Mass Ratio • Parachute to Water Landing SpaceX Merlin Engine • Thrust: 72k SL, 85k Vacuum • Isp: 261 SL, 310 Vacuum • Ablatively Cooled • Pintle Injector Geometry • Pump-fed Gas Generator Cycle • Turbine Exhaust Roll Control • Hydraulic TVC Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

8. Merlin Engine Test Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

9. Falcon Second Stage • Expendable 2nd Stage • Lox – RP1 Propellant • Aluminum Lithium Tanks • Common Bulkhead • 91 % Mass Ratio • Engine: • 7.5Klbf Vacuum Thrust • Pressure Fed with GHe • Isp: 325 Vacuum • Hot Helium Attitude Control • Ablative/Radiative Cooling • Pintle Injector Geometry • EMA for TVC Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

10. Kestrel Engine Test Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

11. Falcon Performance from VAFB Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

12. Performance from VAFB Varying Inclination Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

13. Performance From Kwajalein Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

14. Predicted Injection Accuracies Predicted accuracies: Published accuracies: • inclination +/- 0.1 deg • perigee +/- 10 km • apogee +/- 20 km Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

15. Launch Sites: Falcon I and Falcon V • SLC 3W at the Western range (VAFB) for high inclination launches • Reagan Test Site (Kwaj) for low to mid inclination launches • Agreements also in place for LC-46 at the Eastern Range Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

16. Transporter/Erector Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

17. Launch Timeline, Standard SLV Mission Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

18. Falcon Launch Operations Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

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