The second stage tank structure was made of aluminum-lithium alloy.
The parachute recovery system was built for SpaceX by Irvin Parachute Corporation, who also builds the Shuttle booster recovery system. The first stage returned by parachute to a water landing, where it was picked up by ship in a procedure similar to that of the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters. All components were space qualified and had flown before on other launch vehicles. Stage separation occurred via dual initiated separation bolts and a pneumatic pusher system. Helium tank pressurization was provided by composite over-wrapped Inconel tanks from Arde Corporation, the same model used in Boeing's Delta IV rocket. After engine start, Falcon would be held down until all vehicle systems were verified to be functioning normally before release for lift-off. A single SpaceX Merlin engine powered the Falcon I first stage. As a result, SpaceX claimed to have captured the mass efficiency of pressure stabilization, but avoided the ground handling difficulties of a structure unable to support its own weight. The design was a blend between a fully pressure stabilized design, such as Atlas II, and a heavier isogrid design, such as Delta II. The first stage primary structure was made of a space grade aluminum alloy in a patent pending, graduated monocoque, common bulkhead, flight pressure stabilized architecture developed by SpaceX. The Falcon 1 was to be superseded by the Falcon 1e, with an extended-tank first stage, from 2010. Success was achieved on the fourth launch in 2008. Development delays and problems with USAF clearances for launch from Vandenberg resulted in the first launch attempt being made in 2006 from a private facility at Omelek near Kwajalein atoll in the Pacific. First launch of the Falcon I was scheduled for mid-2004 from Vandenberg, carrying a US Defense Department communications satellite. It was designed for cost-efficient and reliable transport of satellites to low Earth orbit. Home - Search - Browse - Alphabetic Index: 0- 1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7- 8- 9Ī- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- ZĪmerican two stage, liquid oxygen and kerosene powered, low cost launch vehicle.
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