Launch Vehicle

Space Exploration Technologies Corp Launch History

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Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) is a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets, the Dragon spacecraft, and the Starlink satellite constellation.

Launch History

SpaceX has conducted over 100 successful launches since its first launch in 2006. The following table lists all of SpaceX’s successful launches to date:

Launch Date Rocket Payload Orbit Outcome
March 24, 2006 Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 Low Earth Orbit Success
September 28, 2008 Falcon 1 Trailblazer Low Earth Orbit Success
July 14, 2009 Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit Low Earth Orbit Success
June 4, 2010 Falcon 9 Dragon Low Earth Orbit Success
December 8, 2010 Falcon 9 COTS Demo Flight 1 Low Earth Orbit Success
May 22, 2012 Falcon 9 COTS Demo Flight 2+ Low Earth Orbit Success
October 7, 2012 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-1 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
March 1, 2013 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-2 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
September 29, 2013 Falcon 9 CASSIOPE Low Earth Orbit Success
January 6, 2014 Falcon 9 SES-8 Geostationary Orbit Success
February 19, 2014 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-3 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
April 14, 2014 Falcon 9 AsiaSat 6 Geostationary Orbit Success
July 18, 2014 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-4 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
September 7, 2014 Falcon 9 AsiaSat 8 Geostationary Orbit Success
January 10, 2015 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-5 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
February 11, 2015 Falcon 9 DSCOVR Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange Point Success
March 2, 2015 Falcon 9 ABS-3A Geostationary Orbit Success
April 14, 2015 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-6 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
June 28, 2015 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-7 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Failure
December 22, 2015 Falcon 9 Orbcomm OG2 Low Earth Orbit Success
January 17, 2016 Falcon 9 Jason-3 Low Earth Orbit Success
March 4, 2016 Falcon 9 SES-9 Geostationary Orbit Success
April 8, 2016 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-8 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
May 6, 2016 Falcon 9 JCSAT-14 Geostationary Orbit Success
June 15, 2016 Falcon 9 Eutelsat 117 West B Geostationary Orbit Success
July 18, 2016 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-9 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
September 1, 2016 Falcon 9 Intelsat 33e Geostationary Orbit Success
October 19, 2016 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-10 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
November 14, 2016 Falcon 9 SES-11 / EchoStar 105 Geostationary Orbit Success
December 19, 2016 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-11 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
January 14, 2017 Falcon 9 Iridium Next 1 Low Earth Orbit Success
February 19, 2017 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-12 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
March 30, 2017 Falcon 9 EchoStar 23 Geostationary Orbit Success
May 1, 2017 Falcon 9 NROL-76 Low Earth Orbit Success
May 15, 2017 Falcon 9 Inmarsat-5 F4 Geostationary Orbit Success
June 3, 2017 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-13 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
June 23, 2017 Falcon 9 BulgariaSat-1 Geostationary Orbit Success
August 14, 2017 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-14 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
September 7, 2017 Falcon 9 Intelsat 35e Geostationary Orbit Success
October 9, 2017 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-15 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
December 15, 2017 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-16 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
January 8, 2018 Falcon 9 Zuma Low Earth Orbit Failure
February 6, 2018 Falcon Heavy SES-16 / EchoStar 105 Geostationary Orbit Success
March 6, 2018 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-17 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
April 2, 2018 Falcon 9 TESS Highly Elliptical Orbit Success
May 11, 2018 Falcon 9 Bangabandhu-1 Geostationary Orbit Success
May 25, 2018 Falcon 9 SpaceX CRS-18 Low Earth Orbit (ISS) Success
June 4, 2018 Falcon 9 SES-12 Geostationary Orbit Success

… (list continues)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is SpaceX’s mission?

A: SpaceX’s mission is to "revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets."

Q: What is the Falcon 9 rocket?

A: The Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX. It is used to launch payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond.

Q: What is the Dragon spacecraft?

A: The Dragon spacecraft is a reusable spacecraft designed and manufactured by SpaceX. It is used to transport cargo and crew to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

Q: What is the Starlink satellite constellation?

A: The Starlink satellite constellation is a network of thousands of small satellites that SpaceX is deploying in low Earth orbit (LEO). The constellation is designed to provide global broadband internet access.

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Q: How many successful launches has SpaceX conducted?

A: SpaceX has conducted over 100 successful launches to date, including launches for both commercial and government customers.

Q: What are SpaceX’s future plans?

A: SpaceX has ambitious plans for the future, including developing a fully reusable rocket system, launching humans to Mars, and establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.

References:

Falcon 9 Rocket Specifications

  • Height: 70 m (230 ft)
  • Diameter: 3.7 m (12 ft)
  • Mass: 549,054 kg (1,209,452 lb)
  • Payload Capacity to LEO: 22,800 kg (50,300 lb)
  • Payload Capacity to GTO: 8,300 kg (18,300 lb)
  • First Stage Engines: 9 Merlin 1D engines, each producing 934 kN (210,000 lbf) of thrust
  • Second Stage Engine: 1 Merlin vacuum engine, producing 981 kN (220,500 lbf) of thrust
  • Fairing Diameter: 5.2 m (17 ft)
  • Fairing Volume: 100 m³ (3,531 ft³)
  • Reusability: Both stages are designed to be reusable multiple times
  • Propellant: RP-1 (kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX)

Space Launch by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)

SpaceX is a private space transportation company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. It has developed and deployed a series of rockets and spacecraft, including the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule.

SpaceX’s mission is to make space exploration more affordable and accessible. It has achieved significant cost reductions by using reusable rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX also has ambitious plans to develop a reusable Mars rocket system and send astronauts to the red planet.

SpaceX’s launch services have been used by a variety of customers, including NASA, commercial satellite operators, and private individuals. The company has also developed its own satellite internet constellation, Starlink, which aims to provide global broadband coverage.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp Launch Schedule

  • March 1, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-3
  • March 9, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-4
  • March 15, 2023: Falcon Heavy | USSF-67
  • March 31, 2023: Falcon 9 | OneWeb Launch 17
  • April 4, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-5
  • April 11, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-8
  • April 20, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-6
  • May 2, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-7
  • May 9, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-7
  • May 16, 2023: Falcon 9 | CRS-29
  • May 25, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-8
  • June 1, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-9
  • June 15, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-9
  • June 22, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-10
  • July 6, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-10
  • July 20, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-11
  • August 3, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-11
  • August 10, 2023: Falcon 9 | Transporter-12
  • August 24, 2023: Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-12

Falcon 9 Rocket Development

The Falcon 9 rocket was initially developed by SpaceX for the commercial launch of payloads to low Earth orbit. It has since been upgraded multiple times, with each version offering increased performance and capabilities.

Falcon 9 v1.0 (2010-2013):

  • First operational version
  • Max payload to LEO: 9 tons
  • Nine Merlin 1C engines
  • Reusable first stage tested but not landed

Falcon 9 v1.1 (2013-2016):

  • Upgraded engines (Merlin 1D)
  • Increased payload capacity (13 tons to LEO)
  • Improved reusability with successful first stage landings

Falcon 9 Full Thrust (2015-2018):

  • New fairing design for larger payloads
  • Upgraded engines (Merlin 1D+)
  • Max payload to LEO: 22.8 tons
  • Multiple first stage landings achieved

Falcon 9 Block 5 (2018-present):

  • Final version of Falcon 9
  • Significant improvements in reusability and reliability
  • Upgraded engines (Merlin 1D++), increased payload capacity (25.6 tons to LEO)
  • Continuous upgrades and improvements through software and hardware modifications

SpaceX Launches Overview: Past Year

Over the past year, SpaceX has achieved significant milestones in space exploration and launch services:

  • Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy Launches: SpaceX conducted numerous successful launches using the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, deploying satellites, delivering cargo to the International Space Station, and sending crew to orbit.
  • Starship Development: The company continued to develop its Starship spacecraft, completing several test flights and showcasing its potential for future human missions, lunar exploration, and interplanetary travel.
  • Starlink Satellite Network: SpaceX launched hundreds of Starlink satellites into orbit, expanding its global low-Earth orbit broadband internet constellation.
  • Human Crew Missions: SpaceX launched three crewed missions to the International Space Station, demonstrating the reliability and safety of its Crew Dragon spacecraft.
  • Reusable Rockets: SpaceX successfully landed and reused several Falcon 9 first stages, reducing launch costs and enabling more frequent missions.
  • Advanced Technologies: The company introduced advanced technologies such as fairing recovery systems and autonomous flight software, enhancing launch capabilities and efficiency.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp Launch Site

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) operates several launch sites for its Falcon rockets and Starship spacecraft. These sites include:

  • Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California: Used for polar and sun-synchronous orbit launches.
  • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida: Primary launch site for commercial satellites, cargo missions, and astronaut flights to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida: Used for NASA crewed missions and future Starship launches.
  • Boca Chica, Texas: SpaceX’s private launch and landing site used for Starship development and testing.
  • Floating Offshore Platform (FLOP): Deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, FLOP serves as a launch and landing pad for Starship’s "Super Heavy" booster.
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Falcon 9 Rocket Cost

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is one of the most economical in the industry. The cost of a Falcon 9 launch ranges from $55 million to $90 million, depending on the mission requirements and the number of flights the rocket has made.

For example, the first flight of a Falcon 9 costs around $90 million, while the cost of a subsequent flight can be as low as $55 million. This is because SpaceX is able to reuse the first stage of the Falcon 9, which saves on manufacturing costs.

The Falcon 9’s low cost has made it a popular choice for commercial and government satellite launches. In 2021, SpaceX launched 31 Falcon 9 rockets, carrying a total of 109 satellites into orbit.

Space Launch by SpaceX in 2023

In 2023, SpaceX continued its prolific launch schedule with a series of successful missions to support its Starlink satellite constellation, launch government payloads, and transport crews to the International Space Station (ISS).

Some of the key launches included:

  • Starlink Missions: SpaceX launched numerous Starlink missions to deploy satellites into Earth’s orbit, expanding the coverage and capacity of its broadband internet service.
  • Crew-6 Mission: SpaceX launched a crew of four astronauts to the ISS on the Crew Dragon Endurance spacecraft.
  • Amos-17 Mission: SpaceX launched the Amos-17 communications satellite into geostationary orbit for Spacecom.
  • SES-22 Mission: SpaceX launched the SES-22 communications satellite for SES, which provides connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
  • Government Missions: SpaceX launched several missions for various government agencies, including the National Reconnaissance Office and the United States Space Force.

SpaceX’s 2023 launch schedule demonstrated the company’s continued leadership in the commercial space industry. Its reliable and cost-effective launch capabilities further enabled the deployment of critical satellite infrastructure and the transportation of humans to and from orbit.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp Launch Vehicle

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) is a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches its own rockets and spacecraft. Currently, the company has two launch vehicles:

Falcon 9:

  • Reusable two-stage rocket
  • Payload capacity: Up to 22,800 kg (50,300 lb) to low Earth orbit, 8,300 kg (18,300 lb) to geostationary transfer orbit
  • First stage is reusable, with 10 successful landings and reflights
  • Used for launch of commercial satellites, payloads, and the Dragon spacecraft

Falcon Heavy:

  • Reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle
  • Consists of three Falcon 9 first stages strapped together
  • Payload capacity: Up to 63,800 kg (140,700 lb) to low Earth orbit
  • Capable of launching large satellites, space probes, and payloads to Mars and beyond
  • First successful launch in 2018

Falcon 9 Rocket Payload Capacity

The Falcon 9 rocket has different variants with varying payload capacities:

  • Falcon 9 Block 5:

    • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Up to 22,800 kg (50,265 lb)
    • Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): Up to 8,300 kg (18,300 lb)

  • Falcon 9 Heavy:

    • LEO: Up to 63,800 kg (140,660 lb)
    • GTO: Up to 26,700 kg (58,860 lb)

Deployment Capabilities:

  • Fairing:
    • Composite fairing: 13.1 m diameter x 17.8 m height
    • Payload adapter: Up to 6.1 m diameter x 13.6 m height
  • Second Stage:
    • Multiple payload deployment capability
    • Payload sequence can be optimized for mass and volume

Space Launch by SpaceX in the Next 5 Years

Upcoming Launches and Missions:

  • Starlink: Deployment of additional satellites for the global broadband constellation, aiming to provide internet access to remote areas.
  • Starship: Development and testing of the reusable super-heavy launch vehicle designed for lunar and Mars missions.
  • Crew Dragon: Continued human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS), with planned commercial missions.

Technological Developments:

  • Raptor Engine: Refinement and production of the powerful methane-fueled engine for the Starship and Super Heavy boosters.
  • Autonomous Flight Control: Enhanced software for autonomous navigation and landing of rockets during launch and recovery.
  • Reusable Heat Shield: Development of lightweight, reusable heat shields for Starship to withstand re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Commercial Partnerships:

  • Satellite Launches: SpaceX is expected to continue securing contracts for launches of commercial satellites and payloads.
  • Lunar Exploration: Potential collaborations with NASA and other agencies on lunar missions using the Starship.
  • Private Human Spaceflight: Partnerships with private entities for developmental flights and potential space tourism ventures.
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Future Plans:

  • Moon Base: Aspirations to establish a permanent base on the Moon using the Starship as a transportation system.
  • Mars Mission: Development of Starship and related technologies for future missions to Mars, targeting 2030s.
  • Interplanetary Travel: Research and conceptualization of spacecraft and propulsion systems for long-distance space travel.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp Launch Statistics

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has launched over 200 missions since its founding in 2002. The company’s launch success rate is approximately 98%, making it one of the most successful launch providers in the world.

Year Total Launches Successful Launches
2006 1 1
2007 3 2
2008 5 4
2009 5 5
2010 9 9
2011 14 14
2012 18 18
2013 16 16
2014 18 17
2015 26 25
2016 21 21
2017 18 18
2018 21 21
2019 13 13
2020 26 26
2021 31 31
2022 55 54

In addition to its commercial launch services, SpaceX has also developed and launched several notable spacecraft, including the Dragon capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket. The Dragon capsule has been used to transport cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station, and the Falcon 9 rocket has been used to launch a variety of satellites and spacecraft into orbit.

Falcon 9 Rocket Reusability

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is partially reusable, with the first stage being able to land and be reused for subsequent launches. This reusability significantly reduces the cost of launching satellites and payloads into orbit.

The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage is equipped with nine Merlin engines that burn rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen. After liftoff, the first stage separates from the upper stage and returns to Earth, performing a controlled descent and landing on a designated drone ship or landing pad.

By reusing the first stage, SpaceX can reuse valuable components and reduce the need for new parts, resulting in substantial savings compared to traditional rockets that are discarded after each launch. Reusability also allows for a higher launch cadence and increased reliability, as the first stage has been flight-proven and can be inspected and refurbished between launches.

Space Launch by SpaceX in the Next Decade

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) plans to launch a series of ambitious space missions over the next decade. Here are some key initiatives to watch: