.jpg) Falcon 9 Flight 20, the first flight of the Full Thrust, which successfully deployed 11Orbcomm satellites and achieved the first-ever vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage | |
| Function | Medium-lift launch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SpaceX |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Cost per launch | |
| Size | |
| Height | 69.8 m (229 ft) with payload fairing 65.7 m (216 ft) withCrew Dragon 63.7 m (209 ft) withDragon |
| Diameter | 3.7 m (12 ft)[4] |
| Mass | 549,000 kg (1,210,000 lb)[4] |
| Stages | 2 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload toLEO | |
| Orbital inclination | 28.5° |
| Mass | |
| Payload toGTO | |
| Orbital inclination | 27° |
| Mass | |
| Payload toTMI | |
| Mass | 4,020 kg (8,860 lb)[1] |
| Associated rockets | |
| Family | Falcon 9 |
| Based on | Falcon 9 v1.1 |
| Derivative work | Falcon 9 Block 5 Falcon Heavy |
| Comparable | |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Active |
| Launch sites | |
| Total launches | 548[7] |
| Success(es) | 547 |
| Failure | 1 |
| Notable outcome | 1 (AMOS-6 pre-flight destruction) |
| Landings | 523 / 531 attempts |
| First flight | 22 December 2015 (2015-12-22) (Orbcomm-OG2-2) |
| Last flight | Active |
| Carries passengers or cargo | |
| First stage | |
| Height | 41.2 m (135 ft) |
| Diameter | 3.7 m (12 ft) |
| Powered by | 9 ×Merlin 1D |
| Maximum thrust | |
| Specific impulse | |
| Burn time | 162 seconds[4] |
| Propellant | LOX /RP-1 |
| Second stage | |
| Height | 13.8 m (45 ft) |
| Diameter | 3.7 m (12 ft) |
| Powered by | 1 ×Merlin 1D Vacuum |
| Maximum thrust | 934 kN (210,000 lbf)[4] |
| Specific impulse | 348 s (3.41 km/s)[4] |
| Burn time | 397 seconds[4] |
| Propellant | LOX / RP-1 |
Falcon 9 Full Thrust (also known asFalcon 9 v1.2) is apartially reusable,two-stage-to-orbit,medium-lift launch vehicle[a] designed and manufactured in the United States bySpaceX. It is the third major version of theFalcon 9 family, designed starting in 2014, with its first launch operations in December 2015. It was later refined into theBlock 4 andBlock 5. As of November 23, 2025, all variants of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust (including Block 4 and 5) had performed 548 launches with only one failure:Starlink Group 9-3.
On 22 December 2015, theFull Thrust version of theFalcon 9 family was the first launch vehicle on anorbital trajectory to successfullyvertically land afirst stage. The landing followed atechnology 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,previously flown first-stage boosters were reused to launch new payloads into orbit.[9][10] 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%.
Falcon 9 Full Thrust is a substantial upgrade over the previousFalcon 9 v1.1 rocket, which flew its last mission in January 2016. With uprated first- and second-stage engines, a larger second-stage propellant tank, and propellant densification, the vehicle can carry substantial payloads togeostationary orbit and perform apropulsive landing for recovery.[11]
 | This section'sfactual accuracy isdisputed. Relevant discussion may be found onTalk:Falcon 9. Please help to ensure that disputed statements arereliably sourced.(March 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
A principal objective of the new design was to facilitatebooster re-usability for a larger range of missions, including delivery of largecommsats togeosynchronous orbit.[12]
Like earlier versions of the Falcon 9, and like theSaturn series from theApollo program, the presence of multiple first-stage engines can allow for mission completion even if one of the first-stage engines fails mid-flight.[13]
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 forgeostationary transfer orbit (GTO) missions on thedrone ship"[14][15] The rocket was designed using systems and software technology that had been developed as part of theSpaceX 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.[16] Various technologies were tested on theGrasshopper technology demonstrator, as well as several flights of the Falcon 9 v1.1 on whichpost-mission booster controlled-descent tests were being conducted.[17]
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,[18] and is also known as Falcon 9 v1.2, Enhanced Falcon 9, Full-Performance Falcon 9,[14] and Falcon 9 Upgrade.[19]
A principal objective of the new design was to facilitatebooster reusability for a larger range of missions, including delivery of largecommsats togeosynchronous orbit.[12]
Modifications in the upgraded version include:
The modified design gained an additional 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) of height, stretching to exactly 70 metres (230 ft) including payload fairing,[13] while gaining an overall performance increase of 33 percent.[19]The new first-stage engine has a much increased thrust-to-weight ratio.
The full-thrust first stage booster could reachlow Earth orbit as asingle-stage-to-orbit if it is not carrying the upper stage and a heavy satellite.[23]
Versions launched in 2017 have included an experimental recovery system for the payload fairing halves. On 30 March 2017, SpaceX for the first time recovered a fairing from theSES-10 mission, thanks to thrusters and a steerable parachute helping it glide towards a gentle touchdown on water.[24]
On 25 June 2017 flight (Iridium NEXT 11–20), aluminumgrid fins were replaced by titanium versions, to improve control authority and better cope with heat duringre-entry.[25] Following post-flight inspections,Elon Musk announced the new grid fins likely will require no service between flights.[26]
SpaceX has been developing for some time an alternativeautonomous system to replace the traditionalground-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 systemtest process to gain approval for use on operational flights.
In February 2017, SpaceX'sCRS-10 launch was the first operational launch utilizing the newAutonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) on "either ofAir Force Space Command'sEastern orWestern Ranges." The following SpaceX flight,EchoStar 23 in March, was the last SpaceX launch utilizing the historic system of ground radars, tracking computers, and personnel in launch bunkers that had been used for over sixty years for all launches from the Eastern Range. For all future SpaceX launches, AFSS has replaced "the ground-based mission flight control personnel and equipment with on-board Positioning, Navigation and Timing sources and decision logic. The benefits of AFSS include increased public safety, reduced reliance on range infrastructure, reduced range spacelift cost, increased schedule predictability and availability, operational flexibility, and launch slot flexibility."[27][28]
In 2017, SpaceX started flying incremental changes to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust version, calling them "Block 4".[29] 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 andInmarsat-5 F4 in May 2017, andIntelsat 35e in July.[30] Block 4 was described as a transition between the Full Thrust v1.2 "Block 3" and the followingFalcon 9 Block 5. It includes incremental engine thrust upgrades leading to the final thrust for Block 5.[31] The maiden flight of the full Block 4 design (first and second stages) was the NASACRS-12 mission on 14 August 2017.[32]
SpaceX announced in 2017 that another series of incremental improvements were in development, aFalcon 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 offirst-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.[33][34]
Block 5 second stages can be built with amission extension kit to allow longer duration and/or more engine starts.[citation needed]
Falcon 9 Full Thrust specifications and characteristics are as follows:[13][30][35]
| Characteristic | First stage | Second stage | Payload fairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height[35] | 42.6 m (140 ft) | 12.6 m (41 ft) | 13.2 m (43 ft) |
| Diameter[35] | 3.7 m (12 ft) | 3.7 m (12 ft) | 5.2 m (17 ft) |
| Empty mass[b][35] | 22,200 kg (48,900 lb) | 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) | 1,700 kg (3,700 lb) |
| Gross mass[c] | 433,100 kg (954,800 lb) | 111,500 kg (245,800 lb) | — |
| Structure type | LOX tank:monocoque Fuel tank: skin andstringer | LOX tank: monocoque Fuel tank: skin and stringer | Monocoque halves |
| Structure material | Aluminum lithium skin;aluminum domes | Carbon fiber | |
| Engines | 9 ×Merlin 1D | 1 ×Merlin 1D Vacuum | — |
| Engine type | Liquid,gas-generator | ||
| Fuel | Kerosene (RP-1) | ||
| Oxidizer | Subcooledliquid oxygen (LOX) | Liquid oxygen (LOX) | |
| LOX tank capacity[35] | 287,400 kg (633,600 lb) | 75,200 kg (165,800 lb) | |
| RP-1 tank capacity[35] | 123,500 kg (272,300 lb) | 32,300 kg (71,200 lb) | |
| Engine nozzle | Gimbaled, 16:1 expansion | Gimbaled, 165:1 expansion | |
| Totalthrust[4] | 845.2 kN x 9 (7,607 kN (1,710,000 lbf)) | 934 kN x 1 (934 kN (210,000 lbf)) | |
| Propellant feed system | Turbopump | ||
| Throttle capability[13] | 845–482 kN (190,000–108,300 lbf) per engine[36] | 930–360 kN (210,000–81,000 lbf) per engine | |
| Restart capability | Yes (only 3 engines for boostback/reentry/landing burns) | Yes, dual redundantTEA-TEB pyrophoricigniters | |
| Tank pressurization | Heatedhelium | ||
| Ascentattitude control (pitch,yaw) | Gimbaled engines | Gimbaled engine andnitrogengas thrusters | |
| Ascent attitude control (roll) | Gimbaled engines | Nitrogen gas thrusters | |
| Coast/descent attitude control | Nitrogen gas thrusters andgrid fins | Nitrogen gas thrusters | Nitrogen gas thrusters |
| Shutdown process | Commanded | — | |
| Stage separation system | Pneumatic | — | Pneumatic |
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust uses a 4.5 meter long[35]interstage which is longer and stronger than the Falcon 9 v1.1 interstage. It is a "composite structure consisting of analuminumhoneycomb core surrounded by acarbon fiber face sheet plies".[13] The overall length of the vehicle at launch is 70 meters, and the total fueled mass is 549,000 kg.[35] The aluminium-lithium alloy used is2195-T8.[37]
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust upgraded vehicle "includes first-stagerecovery systems, to allow SpaceX toreturn the first stage to the launch site after completion of primary mission requirements. These systems include four deployablelanding 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".[13] The nominal payload capacity to a geostationary transfer orbit is 5,500 kilograms (12,100 lb) with the first-stage recovery (the price per launch is US$62 million), versus 8,300 kilograms (18,300 lb) with an expendable first-stage.[35]
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As early as March 2014, SpaceX pricing and payload specifications published for theexpendableFalcon 9 v1.1 rocket actually included about 30 percent more performance than the published price list indicated. At that time, the additional performance was reserved for SpaceX to conductreusability 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.[38]
In 2015, SpaceX announced a number of modifications to the previous version Falcon 9 v1.1launch vehicle. The new rocket was known internally for a while asFalcon 9 v1.1 Full Thrust,[18] but was also known under a variety of names includingFalcon 9 v1.2,[39]Enhanced Falcon 9,Full-Performance Falcon 9,[14]Upgraded Falcon 9,[40] andFalcon 9 Upgrade.[19][41] Since the first flight of the "full thrust upgrade", SpaceX has been referring to this version as justFalcon 9.[42]
SpaceX PresidentGwynne Shotwell explained in March 2015 that the new design would result in streamlined production as well as improved performance:[15]
So, we got the higher thrust engines, finished development on that, we're in [qualification testing]. What we're also doing is modifying the structure a little bit. I want to be building only two versions, or two cores in my factory, any more than that would not be great from a customer perspective. It's about a 30% increase in performance, maybe a little more. What it does is it allows us to land the first stage for GTO missions on thedrone ship.[14]
According to a SpaceX statement in May 2015, Falcon 9 Full Thrust would likely not require a recertification to launch for United States government contracts. Shotwell stated that "It is an iterative process [with the agencies]" and that "It will become quicker and quicker to certify new versions of the vehicle."[43] TheUS Air Force certified the upgraded version of the launch vehicle to be used onUS military launches in January 2016, based on the one successful launch to date and the demonstrated "capability to design, produce, qualify, and deliver a new launch system and provide the mission assurance support required to deliver NSS (national security space) satellites to orbit".[44]
The upgraded first stage began acceptance testing at SpaceX's McGregor facility in September 2015. The first of two static fire tests was completed on 21 September 2015 and included the subcooled propellant and the improved Merlin 1D engines.[45] The rocket reached full throttle during the static fire and was scheduled for launch no earlier than 17 November 2015.[46]
SES S.A., a satellite owner and operator, announced plans in February 2015 to launch itsSES-9 satellite on the first flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust.[47] In the event, SpaceX elected to launch SES-9 on thesecond flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust and to launchOrbcommOG2's second constellation on thefirst flight. As Chris Bergin of NASASpaceFlight explained, SES-9 required a more complicated second-stage burn profile involving one restart of the second-stage engine, while the Orbcomm mission would "allow for the Second Stage to conduct additional testing ahead of the more taxing SES-9 mission."[48]
Falcon 9 Full Thrust completed its maiden flight on 22 December 2015, carrying anOrbcomm 11-satellite payload to orbit and landing the rocket's first stage intact at SpaceX'sLanding Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral.[40] The second mission,SES-9, occurred on 4 March 2016.[49]
As of November 23, 2025, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust version has flown 548 missions with a success rate of99.8%. The first stage was recovered in 523 of them. One rocket was destroyed during pre-launch tests and is not counted as one of the flown missions. One mission reached a lower than intended orbit, the only in-flight accident of the Full Thrust version.
On 1 September 2016, the rocket carryingSpacecom'sAMOS-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.[50] 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.[51] To resolve the issue for further flights, SpaceX made design changes to the tanks and changes to their fueling procedure.
SpaceX first usedLaunch Complex 40 atCape Canaveral Air Force Station andSpace Launch Complex 4E atVandenberg Air Force Base for Falcon 9 Full Thrust rockets, like its predecessor Falcon 9 v1.1. Following the2016 accident at LC-40, launches from the East Coast were switched to the refurbished padLC-39A atKennedy Space Center, leased from NASA.[52]
Architectural and engineering design work on changes to LC-39A had begun in 2013, the contract to lease the pad from NASA was signed in April 2014, with construction commencing later in 2014,[53] including the building of a largeHorizontal Integration Facility (HIF) in order to house both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles with associated hardware and payloads during processing.[54] The first launch occurred on 19 February 2017 with theCRS-10 mission. Crew Access Arm and White Room work still need to be completed before crewed launches with theSpaceX Dragon 2 capsule scheduled for 2019.
An additionalprivate launch site, intended solely for commercial launches, was planned atStarbase nearBrownsville, Texas[55]following a multi-state evaluation process in 2012–mid-2014 looking atFlorida,Georgia, andPuerto Rico.[56][57] However, the focus of the site has been changed from Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches toVTOL test flights of a subscaleStarship 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.
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SpaceX has completed construction of a landing zone at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, known asLZ-1. The zone, consisting of a pad 282 feet (86 m) in diameter, was first used on 16 December 2015 with a successful landing of Falcon 9 Full Thrust.[58] The landing on LZ-1 was the first overall successful Falcon 9 and the third landing attempt on a hard surface. As of 4 June 2020[update], 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.
Directly next to LZ-1 SpaceX constructed LZ-2 to allow simultaneous booster landings after Falcon Heavy flights. As of November 2022[update], four boosters have landed at LZ-2.
SpaceX also created a landing site at the former launch complexSLC-4W atVandenberg Air Force Base. In 2014, the launch site was demolished for reconstruction as a landing site.[59] On 8 October 2018, a Falcon 9 rocket booster successfully landed at the new ground pad, known asLZ-4, for the first time.[60]
Starting in 2014, SpaceX commissioned the construction ofautonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS) from deck barges, outfitted with station-keeping engines and a large landing platform. The ships, which are stationed hundreds of kilometers downrange, allow for first stage recovery on high-velocity missions which cannot return to the launch site.[61][62]
SpaceX has three operational drone ships,Just Read the Instructions(V1/V2, V1 is retired),Of Course I Still Love You andA Shortfall of Gravitas.[63] BothA Shortfall of Gravitas andJust Read the Instructions(V2) are used in the Atlantic from Port Canaveral for launches from Cape Canaveral, whileOf Course I Still Love You is being operated in the Pacific from the Port of Long Beach for Vandenberg launches.
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