Falcon 1

The Falcon 1 is a partially reusable launch system designed and manufactured by SpaceX. The two-stage-to-orbit rocket uses LOX/RP-1 for both stages, the first powered by a single Merlin engine and the second powered by a single Kestrel engine. It was designed by SpaceX from the ground up and is the first successful fully liquid-propelled orbital launch vehicle developed with private funding. The Falcon 1 achieved orbit on its fourth attempt, on 2... more

The Falcon 1 is a partially reusable launch system designed and manufactured by SpaceX. The two-stage-to-orbit rocket uses LOX/RP-1 for both stages, the first powered by a single Merlin engine and the second powered by a single Kestrel engine. It was designed by SpaceX from the ground up and is the first successful fully liquid-propelled orbital launch vehicle developed with private funding. The Falcon 1 achieved orbit on its fourth attempt, on 28 September 2008, with a mass simulator as a payload. On 14 July 2009, Falcon 1 successfully delivered the Malaysian RazakSAT satellite to orbit on SpaceX first commercial launch, fifth launch overall. According to SpaceX, the Falcon 1 is designed to minimize price per launch for low-Earth-orbit satellites, increase reliability, and optimize flight environment and time to launch. It is also intended to verify components and structural design concepts that will be reused in the Falcon 9. At launch, the first stage engine (Merlin) is ignited and... less