Falcon 9 Block 5
{{Short description|Fifth version of the SpaceX medium-lift launch vehicle}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox rocket
|name = Falcon 9 Block 5
|image = Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Mission (42025498972).jpg
|caption = Bangabandhu-1 was the first payload launched by Falcon 9 Block 5
|function = Medium-lift launch vehicle
|manufacturer = SpaceX
|country-origin = United States
|cpl = {{US$|69.75 million|link=yes}} (2024)
|height = {{ubli
| {{cvt|69.8|m|ft}} with payload fairing
| {{cvt|65.7|m|ft}} with Dragon 2{{efn|{{cvt|63.7|m|ft}} with Dragon 1}}{{cite web |title=Falcon User's Guide |url=https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf |access-date=February 26, 2019 |date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202093334/https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf |url-status=dead }}
}}
|diameter = {{cvt|3.7|m}}{{cite web |title=Falcon 9 |url=https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/ |publisher=SpaceX |access-date=April 30, 2016 |date=November 16, 2012}}
|stages = 2
|capacities =
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = LEO
|inclination = 28.5°
|mass = {{Unbulleted indent list
| Reusable: {{cvt|18500|kg}}{{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 }}
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = GTO
|inclination = 27°
|mass = {{Unbulleted indent list
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = TMI
}}
|family = Falcon 9
|derived_from = Falcon 9 Full Thrust
|derivatives =
| comparable = {{flatlist|
}}
|status = Active
|launches = {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTBlock5launch}}
|success = {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTBlock5success}}
|fail = {{Falcon rocket statistics|F9FTBlock5failure}} (Starlink Group 9{{nbhyph}}3{{efn|Second stage engine disintegration}})
|partial =
|landings = {{Falcon rocket statistics|FTBlock5Landingsuccess}} / {{Falcon rocket statistics|FTBlock5Landingattempt}} attempts{{efn|including use as side booster}}
|first = {{date|11 May 2018}} (Bangabandhu-1)
|last =
|payloads = {{flatlist|
- SpaceX Dragon
- Starlink
- OneWeb
- Iridium NEXT
- Transporter & Bandwagon
- DART
- Euclid
- Galileo
- GPS Block IIIA
- IXPE
- KPLO
- Nova-C
- PACE
- Hera
- WorldView Legion
- O3b mPOWER
- SPHEREx
- PUNCH
}}
|stagedata =
{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage
|diff =
|stageno = First
|name =
|number =
|length = {{cvt|41.2|m}}
|diameter =
|width =
|empty =
|gross =
|propmass =
|engines = 9 × Merlin 1D
|solid =
|thrust = {{cvt|7600|kN}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQEqKZ7CJlk |title=Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Mission |last=SpaceX |date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |via=YouTube}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/falcon9 |title=FALCON 9 |last=SpaceX |publisher=SpaceX |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715094112/https://www.spacex.com/falcon9 |url-status=dead }}
|total =
|SI =
|burntime =
|fuel = LOX / RP-1{{cite tweet |user=elonmusk |number=677666779494248449 |date=December 17, 2015 |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 |access-date = December 19, 2015}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage
|diff = standard
|stageno = Second
|name =
|number =
|length = {{cvt|13.8|m|ftin}}
|diameter =
|width =
|empty =
|gross =
|propmass =
|engines = 1 × Merlin 1D Vacuum
|SI =
|burntime =
}}{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage
|diff = short nozzle
|stageno = Second
|name =
|number =
|length = {{cvt|13.6|m|ftin}}
|diameter =
|width =
|empty =
|gross =
|propmass =
|engines = 1 × Merlin 1D Vacuum
|SI =
|burntime =
}}
|sites = {{ubli
| Vandenberg, SLC-4
| Vandenberg, SLC-6 (planned)
}}
}}
Falcon 9 Block 5 is a partially reusable, human-rated, two-stage-to-orbit, medium-lift launch vehicle{{efn|If launched in expendable configuration, Falcon 9 has a theoretical payload capability of a heavy-lift launch vehicle}} designed and manufactured in the United States by SpaceX. It is the fifth major version of the Falcon 9 family and the third version of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust.{{cite web|url=https://spacex-info.com/falcon-9-falcon-heavy/|title=Falcon 9 & Falcon Heavy|quote=The v1.2 design was constantly improved upon over time, leading to different sub-versions or “Blocks”. The initial design, flying on the maiden flight, was thus referred to as Block 1. The final design which has largely stayed static since 2018 is the Block 5 variant.|accessdate=February 3, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721035853/https://spacex-info.com/falcon-9-falcon-heavy/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://acme-engineering.nl/spacex.html|title=Acme Engineering|accessdate=February 3, 2021}} It is powered by Merlin 1D engines burning rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
The main changes from Block 3 (the original Falcon 9 Full Thrust) to Block 5 are higher-thrust engines and improvements to the landing legs along with numerous other small changes to streamline recovery and re-use of first-stage boosters and increase the production rate. Each Block 5 booster is designed to fly ten times with only minor maintenance between launches and potentially up to 100 times with periodic refurbishment.
In 2018, Block 5 succeeded the transitional Block 4 version. The maiden flight of the Block 5 launched the satellite Bangabandhu-1 on May 11, 2018. The CRS-15 mission on June 29, 2018, was the last to be launched on a Block 4 rocket, completing the transition to an all-Block 5 fleet.{{Cite web |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-transition-all-falcon-9-block-5-launches/ |title=SpaceX will transition all launches to Falcon 9 Block 5 rockets after next mission |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=June 5, 2018 |website=TESLARATI.com |language=en-US |access-date=February 26, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2018/06/29/dragon-resupply-mission-crs-15 |title=Dragon Resupply Mission (CRS-15) |last=Shanklin |first=Emily |date=June 29, 2018 |website=SpaceX |access-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524211848/https://www.spacex.com/news/2018/06/29/dragon-resupply-mission-crs-15 |url-status=dead }}
Overview
The Block 5 design changes are principally driven by upgrades needed for NASA's Commercial Crew program and National Security Space Launch requirements.{{Cite web |title=Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) (Falcon-9FT (Block 5)) |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/falcon-9_v1-2_b5.htm |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}} They include performance upgrades, manufacturing improvements, and increase the margin for demanding customers.{{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=February 17, 2017 |author=NASA |website=Youtube}} {{PD-notice}}
In April 2017, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that Block 5 will feature 7–8% more thrust by uprating the engines (from {{convert|176000|lbf}} to {{convert|190000|lbf}} per engine).{{Cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/04/04/musk-previews-busy-year-ahead-for-spacex/ |title=Musk previews busy year ahead for SpaceX |work=Spaceflight Now |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=April 7, 2018}} Block 5 includes an improved flight control system for an optimized angle of attack on the descent, lowering landing fuel requirements.
For reusability endurance:
- expected to be able to fly ten times with only minor maintenance between launches[https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/21/17590448/spacex-falcon-9-launch-block-5-telstar-19-vantage-telesat SpaceX is about to land a whole lot more rockets]. Loren Grush, The Verge. July 22, 2018. achieved in 2021{{cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/05/historic-10th-falcon9-reflight/|title=SpaceX flies historic 10th mission of a Falcon 9 as Starlink constellation expands|date=May 8, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021}}
- potentially fly up to 100 times with periodic refurbishment[https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a20152543/spacex-test-fire-new-falcon-9-block-5/ SpaceX Test-Fires New Falcon 9 Block 5 Rocket Ahead of Maiden Flight (Updated)]. Robin Seemangal, Popular Mechanics. May 4, 2018.Elon Musk on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1296158590646939649 I don't want be cavalier, but there isn't an obvious limit. 100+ flights are possible. Some parts will need to be replaced or upgraded.]
- a reusable heat shield protecting the engines and plumbing at the base of the rocket;
- more temperature-resistant cast and machined titanium grid fins;{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/878821062326198272 |title=Flying with larger & significantly upgraded hypersonic grid fins. Single piece cast & cut titanium. Can take reentry heat with no shielding. |last=Musk |first=Elon |date=June 24, 2017 |website=@elonmusk |language=en |access-date=March 16, 2018}}
- a thermal-protection coating on the first stage to limit reentry heating damage, including a black thermal protection layer on the landing legs, raceway, and interstage;
- redesigned and requalified more robust and longer life valves;
- redesigned composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV 2.0) for helium, to avoid oxygen freezing inside the structure of the tanks that lead to rupture.
For rapid reusability:
- reduced refurbishment between flights;
- a set of retractable landing legs for rapid recovery and shipping.{{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) |date=May 4, 2018 |publisher=Popular Mechanics}}
- the Octaweb{{cite web |url=https://www.thespacetechie.com/octaweb-structure/|title=Octaweb Structure|date=July 10, 2021|website=www.thespacetechie.com}} structure is bolted together instead of welded, reducing manufacturing time.{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/8el28f/i_am_andy_lambert_spacexs_vp_of_production_ask_me/dxw4zqn/ |title=I am Andy Lambert, SpaceX's VP of Production. Ask me anything about production & manufacturing, and what it's like to be a part of our team! |date=April 24, 2018 |publisher=reddit.com}}
Improvements
Since the debut of Block 5, SpaceX has continued to iterate on its design, manufacturing processes, and operational procedures.{{cite web |title=SpaceX Building Airline-Type Flight Ops For Launch {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/space/spacex-building-airline-type-flight-ops-launch |access-date=January 15, 2023 |website=aviationweek.com}} Among other changes, the initial Block 5 boosters did not have the redesigned composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV2) tanks.{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=New helium tank for SpaceX crew launches still waiting to fly – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/05/25/new-helium-tank-for-spacex-crew-launches-still-waiting-to-fly/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |language=en-US}} The first booster with COPV2 tanks was booster B1047 on the Es'hail 2 mission on November 15, 2018, and the second booster using the COPV2 tanks was CRS-16/B1050, which had its first launch on December 5, 2018.{{cite web |date=December 5, 2018 |title=SpaceX landing mishap won't affect upcoming launches |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-landing-mishap-wont-affect-upcoming-launches/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=SpaceNews.com}} Later Block 5 boosters are also easier to prepare for flight, so SpaceX "prefer to retire" older cores by assigning them to expendable missions when possible.{{Citation |title=Starbase Tour with Elon Musk [PART 2 // Summer 2021] | date=August 7, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA8ZBJWo73E |access-date=January 15, 2023 |language=en}}
A pressure relief valve was added to the grid fins’ hydraulic system following a stall that resulted in a landing failure in 2018.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbTJvJ6pM2s |title=Elon Musk & NASA/SpaceX DM1 – Post Launch Press Conference |language=en |time=12:02 |access-date=April 13, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=William |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Falcon 9 successfully lofts CRS-16 Dragon enroute to ISS – Booster spins out but soft lands in water |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/12/falcon-9-crs-16-dragon-iss/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}} Similarly, after a booster was damaged at sea in 2022, much of the fleet was upgraded with "self-leveling" landing legs. These legs help ensure the booster can be properly secured to the Octograbber, even in suboptimal sea states.{{Cite tweet |number=1739640175183945860 |user=TurkeyBeaver |title=...Tippy boosters occur when you get a certain set of landing conditions that lead to the legs having uneven loading... In this state, securing with the OG is super challenging and often only partial successful. We came up with self leveling legs that immediately equalize leg loads on landing after experiencing a severe tippy booster two years ago on Christmas (first flight of 1069). The fleet is mostly outfitted, but 1058, given its age, was not... |first=Kiko |last=Dontchev}}
To improve the rocket's performance, SpaceX has tweaked throttle settings and separation timings.{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=SpaceX launches heaviest payload on Falcon 9 rocket – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/01/26/falcon-9-starlink-5-2-coverage/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |language=en-US}}
= Mission extension kits =
SpaceX CRS-18 featured a Falcon mission-extension kit to the standard second stage, which equipped the second stage with a dark-painted band (for thermal control), extra COPVs for pressurization control, and additional TEA-TEB ignition fluid. The upgrades afforded the second stage with the endurance needed to inject the payloads directly into geosynchronous or high energy orbit where the second stage needs hours after launch.{{Cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=October 11, 2022 |title=SpaceX's first Falcon Heavy launch in three years eyes late-October liftoff |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket-first-launch-three-years-take-two/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}} Based on mission requirements, they are Medium Coast & Long Coast kits, i.e., the number of helium bottles for pressurization and added batteries for power and other hardware to make sure that the fuel and stages systems operate as long as needed.{{cite web |last=Sesnic |first=Trevor |date=July 22, 2023 |title=EchoStar 24 {{!}} Falcon Heavy |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/echostar-24-falcon-heavy/ |access-date=July 29, 2023 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Falcon rockets use three configurations of their upper stage. How are they different? |date=July 31, 2023 |url=https://www.elonx.net/falcon-rockets-use-three-configurations-of-their-upper-stage-how-are-they-different/}}
= Short nozzle second stage =
The Transporter-7 mission marked the debut of a second stage with a Merlin 1D Vacuum engine with a shorter nozzle extension designed to accelerate production and reduce costs. Unlike the first stage, the second stage on the Falcon 9 is not reused. This variant sacrifices 10% thrust in exchange for a 75% reduction in material usage, primarily the rare metal niobium. As a result, SpaceX can triple its launch frequency using the same amount of this critical resource. Due to its reduced performance, this nozzle is exclusively used on missions with lower performance requirements.{{Cite web |last=Sesnic |first=Trevor |date=July 22, 2023 |title=EchoStar 24 {{!}} Falcon Heavy |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/echostar-24-falcon-heavy/ |access-date=July 29, 2023 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6808 |title=Transporter 7 |access-date=March 17, 2023}}
Human rating
The NASA certification processes of the 2010s specified seven flights of any launch vehicle without major design changes before the vehicle would be NASA-certified for human spaceflight, and allowed to fly NASA astronauts.
The Block 5 design launched astronauts for the first time on May 30, 2020, on a NASA-contracted flight, Crew Dragon Demo-2.{{Cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/nasa-partners-update-commercial-crew-launch-dates/ |title=NASA, Partners Update Commercial Crew Launch Dates – Commercial Crew Program |website=blogs.nasa.gov |date=February 6, 2019 |language=en-US |access-date=February 26, 2019}} {{PD-notice}} This was the first crewed orbital spaceflight launched from the United States since the final Space Shuttle mission in 2011, and the first ever operated by a commercial provider.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-30/spacex-set-to-retry-historic-rocket-launch-after-weather-delay|title=SpaceX Speeding Astronauts to Space Station in Landmark Trip|publisher=Bloomberg News|date=May 30, 2020}}
Specifications
Specifications and characteristics are as follows:{{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}}{{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}}{{cite magazine |date=May 2017 |title=Fiche Technique: Falcon-9 |trans-title=Technical data sheet: Falcon 9 |url=http://www.espace-exploration.com/fr/numeros/672-espace-et-exploration-n%C2%B039 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821172058/http://www.espace-exploration.com/fr/numeros/672-espace-et-exploration-n%C2%B039 |archive-date=21 August 2017 |access-date=27 June 2017 |magazine=Espace & Exploration |pages=36–37 |language=fr |issue=39}}
{{sticky header}}
| class="wikitable sticky-header" style="font-size:small; text-align:center;"
!Characteristic !First stage !Second stage |
| Height
|{{cvt|42.6|m}} |{{cvt|12.6|m}} |
|---|
| Diameter
|{{cvt|3.7|m}} |{{cvt|3.7|m}} |
| Empty mass{{efn|without propellant}}
|{{cvt|22200|kg}} |{{cvt|4000|kg}} |
| Gross mass{{efn|with propellant}}
|{{cvt|433100|kg}} |{{cvt|111500|kg}} |
| Structure type
|LOX tank: monocoque |LOX tank: monocoque |
| Structure material
| colspan="2" |Aluminum lithium skin; aluminum domes |
| Engines
|9 × Merlin 1D |1 × Merlin 1D Vacuum |
| Engine type
| colspan="2" |Liquid, gas-generator |
| Fuel
| colspan="2" |Kerosene (RP-1) |
| Oxidizer
|Subcooled liquid oxygen (LOX) |Liquid oxygen (LOX) |
| LOX tank capacity
|{{cvt|287400|kg}} |{{cvt|75200|kg}} |
| RP-1 tank capacity
|{{cvt|123500|kg}} |{{cvt|32300|kg}} |
| Engine nozzle
|Gimbaled, 16:1 expansion |Gimbaled, 165:1 expansion |
| Total thrust
|{{cvt|7607|kN}} |{{cvt|934|kN}} |
| Propellant feed system
| colspan="2" |Turbopump |
| Throttle capability
|{{cvt|190,000 |
| 108,300|lbf|kN|order=flip}}{{Cite web |title=Falcon Users Guide |url=https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_users_guide_02182019.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220122638/https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/falcon_users_guide_02182019.pdf |archive-date=20 February 2019 |access-date=22 February 2019}}
|{{cvt|210000 |
| 81000|lb-f|kN|order=flip}} |
| Restart capability
|Yes (only 3 engines for boostback/reentry/landing burns) |Yes, dual redundant TEA-TEB |
| Tank pressurization
| colspan="2" |Heated helium |
| Ascent attitude control (pitch, yaw) |Gimbaled engines |Gimbaled engine and nitrogen gas thrusters |
| Ascent attitude control (roll) |Gimbaled engines |Nitrogen gas thrusters |
| Coast/descent attitude control
|Nitrogen gas thrusters and grid fins |Nitrogen gas thrusters |
| Shutdown process
| colspan="2" |Commanded |
See also
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf Link to Falcon User's Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202093334/https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon_users_guide_042020.pdf |date=December 2, 2020 }}, by SpaceX. Updated in January 2019 specifically for Block 5 upgrades.
{{SpaceX}}
{{Falcon rocket launches}}
{{Expendable launch systems}}
{{Reusable launch systems}}
{{US launch systems}}
Category:SpaceX launch vehicles
Category:Partially reusable space launch vehicles