Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited The Falcon Launch Vehicle: Towards Operationally...
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Transcript of Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited The Falcon Launch Vehicle: Towards Operationally...
Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited
The Falcon Launch Vehicle:Towards Operationally Responsive
Space
Space Exploration Technologies1310 Grand Avenue
El Segundo, CA 90245Phone (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
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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
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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
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Proto-Falcon final assembly on the precision manufacturing track
November 2003
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Falcon in Washington DC for its Unveiling
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Technical Summary-- Falcon SLV
Payload capability: Over 1500 lbs to LEO (28.5 deg, 100 nm, circular) Launch from Vandenberg, Kwajelein, and the Cape Multiple manifest, multiple orbit Very benign payload environment $5.9M per launch plus range fees for single flight contracts Vehicle flight ready by mid 2004
Diameter 5.5’ tapering to 5’ Length 68’ 1st Stage Parachute/Water
Recovery 1st Stage Lox/RP1 2nd Stage Lox/RP1
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Falcon First Stage
Re-usable 1st Stage Lox – RP1 Propellant Aluminum 2219-T6 Tanks “Flight Pressure Stabilized”
Design Common bulkhead 94% Mass Ratio Parachute to Water Landing
SpaceX Merlin Engine Thrust: 72k SL, 85k Vacuum Isp: 261 SL, 310 Vacuum Ablatively Cooled Pintle Injector Geometry Pump-fed Gas Generator Cycle Turbine Exhaust Roll Control Hydraulic TVC
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Merlin Engine Test
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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
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Kestrel Engine Test
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Falcon Performance from VAFB
200 300 400 500 600 700 800100
200
300
400
500
600P
aylo
ad (
kg)
200 300 400 500 600 700 800
400
600
800
1000
1200
Launch from Vandenberg into Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Circular Orbit Altitude (km)
Pay
load
(lb
)
Direct InsertionTwo Impulse Insertion
Rev. K SB150 8/5/03
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Performance from VAFB Varying Inclination
60 70 80 90 100 110 120350
400
450
500
550
600
Inclination (deg)
Pay
load
(kg
)Launch from Vandenberg into Circular Orbit
60 70 80 90 100 110 120
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
Pay
load
(lb
)
200 km500 km700 kmLaunch Azimuth Constraint
Rev K SB 150 12/17/03
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Performance From Kwajalein
Launch from Kwajalein into Circular Orbit
450
500
550
600
650
700
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Inclination (deg)
Pay
load
(kg
)
990
1090
1190
1290
1390
1490
Pay
load
(lb
)
200 km
500 km
700 km
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Predicted Injection Accuracies
Published accuracies:
inclination +/- 0.1 deg
perigee +/- 10 km apogee +/- 20 km
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
Deviation in perigee from nominal (km)
De
via
tio
n i
n a
po
ge
e f
rom
no
min
al
(km
)
Predicted accuracies:
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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
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Transporter/Erector
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Launch Timeline, Standard SLV Mission
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Falcon Launch Operations
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Hurdles: The Non-Responsive Part
Operationally responsive space requires extensive non-recurring/preparatory effort (i.e. not responsive)
Hurdles are developmental and regulatory in nature Development hurdles include the capital investment and technical
development leading to production of a low cost capability Regulatory elements include:
MOA for launching; Annexes for individual Federal Sites Environmental FONSI Environmental permits Site license Range Safety Approval (FAA License) ATF DOT
SpaceX has been successful in clearing the hurdles and is looking forward to first flight this summer