Falcon 9 — Reusable Launch Vehicle Interactive LMS
Explore two-stage architecture, Merlin propulsion, ascent, staging, booster reentry and precision recovery.
REUSABLE ROCKET · FLIGHT LAB
Aim & Learning Outcomes
Aim: Understand Falcon 9 as a partially reusable two-stage orbital launch vehicle, emphasizing propulsion, staging, first-stage recovery and reflight.
Learning outcomes
- Identify the first stage, interstage, second stage, fairing, grid fins and landing legs.
- Explain nine Merlin first-stage engines and the single Merlin Vacuum upper-stage engine.
- Describe MECO, stage separation, entry and landing burns.
- Explain grid-fin guidance and landing-leg deployment.
- Distinguish reusable first-stage/fairing hardware from the non-reusable second stage.
Vehicle concept
Falcon 9 is a two-stage launch vehicle. Its first-stage booster can return for landing, refurbishment and reflight. Payload fairing halves can also be recovered and reused.
Reusability
Recovery and reflight reduce the amount of high-value launch hardware discarded after each mission.
Falcon 9 Theory & Architecture
Reference specifications
| Configuration | Two stage |
| Height | 70 m |
| Diameter | 3.7 m |
| Mass | 549,054 kg |
| Payload to LEO | 22,800 kg |
| Payload to GTO | 8,300 kg |
| First-stage engines | 9 Merlin |
| Second-stage engine | 1 Merlin Vacuum |
| Propellants | LOX / RP-1 |
Recovery logic
MECO: first-stage engines shut down before separation.
Entry burn: reduces reentry velocity and loads.
Grid fins: provide aerodynamic control during descent.
Landing burn: reduces vertical velocity for precision touchdown.
Major elements
FairingProtects payloads during atmospheric ascent.
Second StageOne Merlin Vacuum engine performs orbital insertion.
InterstageComposite structure joining the stages.
Grid FinsFour control surfaces for booster reentry guidance.
First StageReusable LOX/RP-1 booster.
9 Merlin EnginesProvide more than 1.7 million lbf sea-level thrust collectively.
Landing LegsFour deployable legs stabilize touchdown.
DroneshipOffshore landing platform for booster recovery.
Fairing RecoveryFairing halves can be recovered and reflown.
Second StageNot designed for recovery or reuse.
ReflightRecovered boosters are inspected/refurbished for later missions.
Merlin PropellantLiquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1).