Space is the last barrier to human curiosity. We have dreamed of conquering it since the beginning of our existence. What traditionally seemed like a dream is getting closer. Thanks to the Falcon 9, a reusable space rocket , exploring space has become easier. The hopes of colonizing the cosmos go through the SpaceX invention.
Before getting into the matter, we must clarify what the Falcon 9 is. It is a two-stage rocket designed by the company SpaceX, a specialist in space exploration. It is more than a spaceship, it is a safe transport that allows the human crew to travel. Unlike typical spacecraft, it is reusable , so its useful life doesn’t end with one trip. The latter is the most important, since it allows you to save huge amounts of money for each exploration.
Although perhaps we should state that the Falcon 9 is closer to a project than a specific rocket , since it has been remodeled during its existence. Materials are added or incorporated, but the basis is the same. Currently the operational version is called Falcon 9 Block 5. It is the fifth version of the rocket and was launched on May 11, 2018. It is the fourth model, not counting the Falcon Heavy which is the fusion of three Falcon 9s. It is also the model that has carried out the most trips, 91 total trips with 91 successful trips.
What is SpaceX?
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturing company. It was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, the magnate and CEO of Tesla. The South African billionaire is also the CEO of SpaceX, the company he founded with the goal of colonizing Mars . Since its foundation, it has worked on aerospace vehicles, with Falcon 9 being one of its most ambitious projects.
SpaceX is an icon within the private initiative. In 2008, it established itself as the first private company to launch a liquid fuel rocket into space orbit: the Falcon 1. Since then it has overcome every challenge until finally sending astronauts to the International Space Station in 2020. However, despite its successes , SpaceX and Elon Musk have had clashes with NASA despite becoming the institution’s private partner.
How is the Falcon 9 Block 5?
At first glance it may not stand out for those who are not related to the space world. We can describe it as a colossal tower 70 meters high, but only 3.7 meters in diameter and weighing 549,054 kilos. As the company itself explains, the reason that it is reusable is based on the immense cost of its materials . “Reuse allows the most expensive parts of the rocket to fly again, which in turn reduces the cost of space exploration,” they indicate in the Falcon 9 section within the SpaceX digital portal.
The current version of the rocket has four different parts and two stages . The first is Phase 1, which is made up of aluminum and lithium. The second part is Phase 2, which is powered by a single Merlin engine and carries the Falcon’s payload. Between the two there is an interstage that connects the first with the second; it is also the one that allows the two to separate during flight. Finally, we have the payload, which is integrated into a cabin made of carbon. It protects your interior.
The Falcon 9 uses Merlin engines. This uses RP-1 as fuel, a petroleum derivative similar to kerosene. According to the scientific community, it is one of the most efficient and obtainable materials at a low price . To obtain it, oil is oxidized with liquid oxygen, which causes it to burn at 3396.85ºC and the flame produces the energy necessary for propulsion. It is also called kerolox.
Almost 12 years in space
In October 2005, SpaceX announced the development of the Falcon 9. It was a revolutionary proposal, since it would have the support of NASA, unlike the company’s previous projects. From the beginning, since Musk insisted that the Falcon 9 would differ from other rockets in its reusability. 17 years after the start of the project, he has not been wrong.
Since its first flight in 2010, it has saved billions of dollars by reusing it. In total, it has taken off 147 times, emerging victorious in 98.63% of its takeoffs, which is quite a feat in aerospace. However, the most difficult thing is to land, something that he has tried 115 times and has achieved in 106 , which represents a success rate of 92.17%.
2010, the first flight
The first version of the Falcon 9 successfully took off from Florida on June 4, 2010. It was an experimental flight in which only the rocket traveled, with no cargo inside. It was a partial success because its return was uneven, since an attempt was made to recover both parts of the rocket, but it was impossible because the first one burned during re-entry into the atmosphere.
2022, flights every week
The last flight of the Falcon 9 took place on April 8, 2022. As in the last few occasions, it had a crew on board. It was a complete success both on takeoff and landing. The next release is planned for April 15, 2022 and since then practically every week.