Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited The Falcon Launch Vehicle: Towards Operationally Responsive Space Space Exploration Technologies 1310 Grand Avenue El Segundo, CA Phone (310) X 228 Fax (310) 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Proto-Falcon final assembly on the precision manufacturing track November 2003

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Falcon in Washington DC for its Unveiling

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 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 1 st Stage Parachute/Water Recovery 1 st Stage Lox/RP1 2 nd Stage Lox/RP1

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Falcon First Stage Re-usable 1 st 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Merlin Engine Test

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Falcon Second Stage Expendable 2 nd 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Kestrel Engine Test

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Falcon Performance from VAFB

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Performance from VAFB Varying Inclination

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Performance From Kwajalein

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Predicted Injection Accuracies Published accuracies: inclination +/- 0.1 deg perigee +/- 10 km apogee +/- 20 km Predicted accuracies:

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 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

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Transporter/Erector

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Launch Timeline, Standard SLV Mission

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Falcon Launch Operations

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 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