Falcon 9
Falcon 9 is a partially reusable two-stage-to-orbit medium-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by spacex in Hawthorne, California. It is the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket, featuring a first stage capable of autonomous landing and rapid reuse.
Overview
- Manufacturer: spacex
- Status: Operational
- Stages: 2 (First stage: Merlin engines; Second stage: Merlin Vacuum)
- Payload Capacity: ~22,800 kg to LEO (reusable), ~22,800+ kg to LEO (expendable)
- Key Features: Autonomous landing legs, grid fins, cold gas thrusters for orientation.
Recent Activity (2026)
- July 2026 Launches: Continued high-frequency launch cadence observed in mid-2026.
- Contextual Updates: Recent spaceflight highlights include comparisons with emerging competitors and deep space missions. See China’s Reusable Rocket, Reflect Orbital, Asteroid Flybys, and Spaceflight Highlights for broader industry context regarding concurrent launches and competitor developments.