Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle

Payload Users Guide

R

Approved for Public Release.

Cleared for Open Publication by Office of Security Review. 09-S-0347
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation

Falcon9UsersGuide

TableofContents
TableofContents

1.

Introduction
1.1. RevisionHistory
1.2. Purpose
1.3. CompanyDescription
1.4. FalconProgramOverview
1.5. MissionManagement
1.6. KeyCustomerAdvantages
1.6.1. Reliability
1.6.2. Pricing

4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
7

2.

VehicleOverview
8
2.1. Falcon9LaunchVehicles
8
2.1.1. StructureandPropulsion
8
2.1.2. Avionics, Guidance/Navigation/Control, Flight Termination
Systems8
2.2. VehicleAxes/AttitudeDefinitions
11

3.

FacilitiesOverview
12
3.1. HeadquartersHawthorne,CA
12
3.2. SpaceLaunchComplex40,CapeCanaveralAirForceStation,Florida
12
3.3. Space Launch Complex 4 East, Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB),
California
15
3.4. U.S.ArmyKwajaleinAtoll,MarshallIslands
16
3.5. TestFacilityCentralTexas
17
3.6. GovernmentOutreachandLegalAffairsWashington,DC
17

4.

GeneralPerformanceCapability
18
4.1. PerformanceCapability
18
4.1.1. LowEarthOrbit
19
4.1.2. Polar
20
4.1.3. SunSynchronous
21
4.1.4. C3EscapeVelocity
22
4.1.5. GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(CapeCanaveral)
23
4.1.6. GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein)
24
4.1.7. GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocityToGo)[Cape] 25
4.1.8. Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (DeltaVelocity To Go)
[Kwajalein]
26
4.2. SampleMissionProfiles
27
4.3. MassProperties
29
4.4. SeparationAccuracy
29
4.5. MissionAccuracyData
29

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5.

GeneralPayloadInformation
5.1. PayloadFairing
5.1.1. GeneralDescription
5.1.2. Falcon9Fairing
5.1.3. PayloadSeparation
5.1.4. CollisionAvoidance
5.2. PayloadEnvironments
5.2.1. TransportationEnvironments
5.2.2. Humidity,CleanlinessandThermalControl
5.2.3. LaunchandFlightEnvironments
5.3. PayloadInterfaces
5.3.1. Falcon9PayloadAttachFittings
5.3.2. TestFittingsandFitcheckPolicy
5.3.3. ElectricalInterfaces
5.4. PayloadIntegration
5.4.1. IntegrationSchedule
5.4.2. DocumentationRequirements
5.4.3. StandardServices
5.4.4. NonstandardServices

30
30
30
30
31
31
31
31
32
32
40
41
43
43
46
46
50
50
51

6.

LaunchOperations
6.1. LaunchControlOrganization
6.2. SpacecraftTransporttoLaunchSite
6.2.1. ProcessingServicesandEquipment
6.3. PlansandSchedules
6.3.1. MissionIntegrationPlan
6.3.2. LaunchVehicleSchedules

52
53
55
55
57
59
60

7.

Safety
7.1. SafetyRequirements
7.2. HazardousSystemsandOperations
7.3. Waivers

61
61
61
61

8.

PayloadQuestionnaire

62

9.

QuickReference
9.1. ListofFigures
9.2. ListofTables
9.3. ListofAcronyms

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63
64
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1. Introduction
1.1. RevisionHistory
ThisisthefirstpubliclyavailableversionoftheFalcon9LaunchVehicleUser'sGuide.
1.2. Purpose
TheFalcon9UsersGuideisaplanningdocumentprovidedforpotentialandcurrentcustomers
ofSpaceExplorationTechnologies(SpaceX).Thisdocumentisnotintendedfordetaileddesign
use. DatafordetaileddesignpurposeswillbeexchangeddirectlybetweenaSpaceXMission
Manager and the Payload Provider. This User's Guide highlights the Falcon 9 Block 2 launch
vehicle and launch service. The Block 2 launch vehicle offers improved masstoorbit
performancewhencomparedtotheFalcon9Block1.SpecificdifferencesbetweenBlock1and
Block 2 will be identified, when appropriate. Performance and environments information are
baseduponFalcon9requirementsandanalyses,butarenotyetvalidatedbyflightdata.
1.3. CompanyDescription
Inanerawhenmosttechnologybasedproductsfollowapathofeverincreasingcapabilityand
reliabilitywhilesimultaneouslyreducingcosts,todayslaunchvehiclesarelittlechangedfrom
thoseof40yearsago.SpaceXischangingthisparadigmwithafamilyoflaunchvehicleswhich
willultimatelyreducethecostandincreasethereliabilityofaccesstospace.Coupledwiththe
newly emerging market for private and commercial space transport, this new model will re
ignitehumanity'seffortstoexploreanddevelopspace.

SpaceX was founded on the philosophy that simplicity, reliability, and lowcost are closely
coupled. We approach all elements of launch services with a focus on simplicity to both
increase reliability and lower cost. The SpaceX corporate structure is flat and business
processes are lean, resulting in both fast decision making and delivery. SpaceX products are
designedtorequirelowinfrastructurefacilities(productionandlaunch)withlowmaintenance
overhead, while vehicle design teams are colocated with production and quality assurance
stafftotightenthecriticalfeedbackloop.Theresultishighlyproducibleandlowcostdesigns
with quality imbedded. To better understand how SpaceX can achieve low cost without
sacrificingreliability,pleaseseetheFrequentlyAskedQuestionsatwww.spacex.com.

Establishedin2002byElonMusk,thefounderofPayPalandtheZip2Corporation,SpaceXhas
alreadydevelopedalightliftlaunchvehicle,theFalcon1,nearlycompleteddevelopmentofthe
Falcon9,anddevelopedstateofthearttestingandlaunchlocations.
In addition, NASA has selected the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft for
the International Space Station (ISS) Cargo Resupply Services (CRS) contract award. The
contract is for a guaranteed minimum of 20,000 kg to be carried to the International Space
Station. The firm contracted value is $1.6 billion and NASA may elect to order additional
missionsforacumulativetotalcontractvalueofupto$3.1billion.SpaceXisonsoundfinancial
footingaswemovetowardsvolumecommerciallaunches.
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Our design and manufacturing facilities are conveniently located near the Los Angeles
International airport. This location also allows the company to leverage the deep and rich
aerospace talent pool available in Southern California. The SpaceX stateoftheart propulsion
andstructuraltestfacilitiesarelocatedinCentralTexas.
1.4. FalconProgramOverview
Drawing upon a rich history of prior launch vehicle and engine programs, SpaceX is privately
developing the Falcon family of rockets from the ground up, including main and upperstage
engines, the cryogenic tank structure, avionics, guidance & control software and ground
supportequipment.

With the Falcon 1, Falcon 1e, Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy launch vehicles, SpaceX is able to
offerafullspectrumoflight,mediumandheavyliftlaunchcapabilitiestoourcustomers.We
are able to deliver spacecraft into any inclination and altitude, from low Earth orbit (LEO) to
geosynchronous orbit (GEO) to planetary missions. The Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy are the
only US launch vehicles with true engineout reliability. They are also designed such that all
stages are reusable, making them the world's first fully reusable launch vehicles. The Dragon
crew and cargo capsule, in conjunction with our Falcon 9, have been selected by NASA to
provideefficientandreliabletransportofcargoandpotentiallycrewtotheInternationalSpace
Station(ISS)andotherLEOdestinations.
1.5. MissionManagement
Tofacilitateandstreamlinecommunication,eachcustomerworkswithasingleSpaceXcontact,
a Mission Manager. The Mission Manager works closely with the customer, SpaceX technical
execution staff and all associated licensing agencies in order to achieve a successful mission.
Specifically, the SpaceX Mission Manager is responsible for coordinating mission integration
analysis and documentation deliverables, planning integration meetings and reports, and
coordinatingallintegrationandtestactivitiesassociatedwiththemission.

TheMissionManagerwillalsofacilitatecustomerinsightduringthelaunchcampaign.Though
the launch operations team is ultimately responsible for customer hardware and associated
GroundSupportEquipment(GSE),theMissionManagerwillcoordinatealllaunchsiteactivities
toensurecustomersatisfactionduringthiscriticalphase.
1.6. KeyCustomerAdvantages
1.6.1. Reliability
Thevastmajorityoflaunchvehiclefailuresinthepasttwodecadescanbeattributedtothree
causes:engine,avionicsandstageseparationfailures.AnanalysisbyAerospaceCorporation1
showedthat91%ofknownfailurescanbeattributedtothosesubsystems.

http://www.aero.org/publications/crosslink/winter2001/03.html. A hard copy of this reference can be made

available upon request.

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With this in mind, Falcon 9 launch vehicles are designed for high reliability starting at the
architecturallevelandincorporatetheflightprovendesignandfeaturesoftheFalcon1launch
vehicle.Someofthesignificantcontributorstoreliabilityinclude:

Robustdesignmargins
Falcon 9 is designed with the goal of carrying humans into space aboard the SpaceX
Dragoncapsule.ThisgoaldrivestheinitialdesignofFalcon9throughtheincorporation
of increased factors of safety (1.4 versus the traditional 1.25 for uncrewed flight).
Payload customers using the Falcon 9 can take advantage of this increased design
robustness.Thefirstandsecondstagesarealsodesignedtoberecoveredandreused,
and therefore, must have significantly higher margins than an expendable stage. This
also provides a unique opportunity to examine recoveredhardware and assess design
andmaterialselectioninordertocontinuallyimproveFalcon9.
Propulsionandseparationeventdesign
TheheartofFalcon9propulsionistheMerlin1Cliquidpropellantrocketengine.The
Merlinenginefeaturesarobust,reliableturbopumpdesignincorporatingasingleshaft
forboththeliquidoxygenandfuelpumps,andagasgeneratorcycleversusthemore
complex staged combustion. The regenerativelycooled thrust chamber uses a milled
copper alloy liner chamber that provides large margins on heat flux. In addition, the
pintleinjectorwasselectedforitsinherentcombustionstability.Asapartofourlaunch
operations,weholdthefirststageafterignitionandmonitorenginepriortoreleaseto
watch engine trends. If an offnominal condition exists, an autonomous abort is
conducted. This helps prevent an engine performance issue from causing a failure in
flight. Falcon 9 makes use of ten Merlin 1C engines on each vehicle (nine on the first
stage, one on the second stage) resulting in high volume engine production, which
results in much higher quality through process control. Flying ten engines on each
mission also builds substantial heritage quickly. Importantly, by employing nine first
stage engines, SpaceX debuts the worlds first Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
(EELV)classlaunchvehiclewithengineoutcapabilitythroughmuchoffirststageflight.
With the qualification and first flight units in build and several domestic and
internationalpurchasedflightscurrentlymanifested,Falcon9isanidealworkhorsefor
payloadcustomers.

SpaceXhasalsominimizedthenumberofstages(2)tominimizeseparationevents.The
separation system between the first and second stages does not incorporate electro
explosivedevices,insteadrelyinguponapneumaticreleaseandseparationsystemthat
allowsforacceptancetestingoftheactualflighthardware.Thisisnotpossiblewitha
traditionalexplosivebasedseparationsystem.
Failuremodeminimization
SpaceXminimizedthenumberoffailuremodesbyminimizingthenumberofseparate
subsystems.Thefirststagethrustvectorcontrol(TVC)systemmakesuseofpressurized

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rocketgradekerosene(RP1).TheenginepullsfromthehighpressureRP1sideofthe
pumptopowertheTVC.Thiseliminatestheseparatehydraulicsystem.Inadditionit
eliminatesthefailuremodeassociatedwithrunningoutofpressurizedfluid.Also,the
avionics and guidance/navigation/control systems are designed with single fault
tolerance,supportingtheabilityofFalcon9tobehumanrated.

Rigoroustesting
In addition to SpaceXs unique design decisions, Falcon 9 will undergo an exhaustive
series of tests from the component to the vehicle system level. This includes
component level qualification and workmanship testing, structures load and proof
testing,flightsystemandpropulsionsubsystemleveltesting,fullfirstandsecondstage
testinguptofullsystemtesting,includingstagestaticfiringsatthetestandlaunchsites
(as appropriate). In addition to testing environmental extremes (plus margin), all
hardwareistestedtoaccountforoffnominalconditions.Forexample,bothstageand
fairingseparationtestsrequiretestingforoffnominalcaseswithrespecttogeometrical
misalignment,anomalouspyrotimingandsequencing.

Amajorcontributortoareliablesystemisitsoperations.Tosupportrobustlaunchoperations,
the SpaceX launch countdown is fully automated with thousands of checks made prior to
vehiclerelease.Afterfirststageignition,thevehicleisnotreleaseduntilthefirststageengines
areconfirmedtobeoperatingnormally.Asafeshutdownisexecuted,shouldanyoffnominal
conditionsbedetected.Falcon9benefitsfromthedesignandoperationsconceptsestablished
forandprovenwiththesuccessfulFalcon1program.

1.6.2. Pricing
ThestandardpriceperlaunchforFalcon9LaunchVehiclescanbefoundhere2.Pricingincludes
range,standardpayloadintegrationandthirdpartyliabilityinsurance.PleaseseeSection5.4
for a description of the standard services. Nonstandard services are also available. If non
standard services are required, please identify these in the Payload Questionnaire found in
Section8ofthisGuide.

http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#pricing_and_performance.

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2. VehicleOverview
2.1. Falcon9LaunchVehicles
Falcon9LaunchVehiclesaredesignedtoprovidebreakthroughadvancesinreliability,cost,and
timetolaunch.Theprimarydesigndriveris,andwillremain,reliability.SpaceXrecognizesthat
nothingismoreimportantthangettingacustomerspayloadsafelytoitsintendeddestination.
TheinitialflightsoftheFalcon9,currentlyplannedin2009and2010,usetheFalcon9Block1.
Beginning in late 2010/early 2011, SpaceX will begin launching the Falcon 9 Block 2. Block 2
featuresincreasedenginethrust,decreasedlaunchvehicledrymass,andincreasedpropellant
loadcombinedwithlessonslearnedfromtheflightsoftheFalcon9Block1.Thisresultsin
increased masstoorbit performance for the Falcon 9 Block 2 when compared with Block 1
performance.ThisperformanceisshownintheFalcon9performancetablespresentedlaterin
thisdocument.
2.1.1. StructureandPropulsion
Like Falcon 1, Falcon 9 is a twostage, liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket grade kerosene (RP1)
poweredlaunchvehicle.ItusesthesameMerlinengines,structuralarchitecture(withawider
diameter),andlaunchcontrolsystem.

The Falcon 9 propellant tank walls and domes are made from an aluminum lithium alloy.
SpaceX uses an all friction stir welded tank, the highest strength and most reliable welding
techniqueavailable.LikeFalcon1,theFalcon9interstage,whichconnectstheupperandlower
stages,isacarbonfiberaluminumcorecompositestructure.Theseparationsystemisalarger
versionofthepneumaticpushersusedonFalcon1.

NineSpaceXMerlinenginespowertheFalcon9firststagewith125,000lbfsealevelthrustper
engine,foratotalthrustonliftoffofjustover1.1millionlbf.Afterenginestart,Falcon9isheld
downuntilallvehiclesystemsareverifiedasfunctioningnormallybeforereleaseforliftoff.

Thesecond stagetankofFalcon9 issimplyashorterversionofthefirststagetankanduses

mostofthesametooling,materialandmanufacturingtechniques.Thisresultsinsignificantcost
savingsinvehicleproduction.

AsingleMerlinenginepowerstheFalcon9upperstagewithanexpansionratioof117:1anda
nominal burn time of 345 seconds. For added reliability of restart, the engine has dual
redundantpyrophoricigniters(TEATEB).

TheFalcon9fairingis17ft(5.2m)indiameter.
2.1.2. Avionics,Guidance/Navigation/Control,FlightTerminationSystems
Falcon 9 vehicle avionics features a singlefault tolerant architecture and has been designed
with a view towards humanrating requirements in order to allow future qualification for
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crewed launch capability. Avionics include rugged flight computers, GPS receivers, inertial
measurement units, SpaceXdesigned and manufactured controllers for vehicle control
(propulsion, valve, pressurization, separation, and payload interfaces), and a CBand
transponder for Range Safety tracking. Falcon 9 transmits telemetry from both the first and
second stages, even after separation of the stages. Sband transmitters are used to transmit
telemetryandvideototheground.

The guidance and navigation algorithms for Falcon 9 launch vehicles have been heavily
influencedbythealgorithmsusedonotherlaunchvehicles,includingFalcon1.Theguidance
systemtakesintoaccountthelossofanengineduringfirststageburnandadjuststhetargeted
trajectoryaccordingly.Thismixofexplicitandperturbationguidanceschemeswasselectedin
order to generate a smooth, computationally simple trajectory while maintaining orbital
insertionaccuracies.

TheFalcon9launchvehicleisequippedwithastandardflightterminationsystem.Thissystem
includes two redundant strings of command receiver and encoder, batteries, safe and arm
devices,andordnanceintheeventofananomalyinflight.

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Table21Falcon9LaunchVehicle(Block2)DimensionsandCharacteristics
Characteristic
Structure
Length
Diameter
Type
Material
Propulsion
EngineType
EngineManufacturer
EngineDesignation
Numberofengines
Propellant
Thrust
Propellantfeedsystem
Throttlecapability
Restartcapability
Tankpressurization
ThrustVectorControl
Pitch,Yaw
Roll
ReactionControlSystem
Propellant
Thrusters
Thrust
Staging
Nominalburntime
Shutdownprocess
Stageseparationsystem

Stage1

Stage2

180feet[55m](bothstageswithfairing&interstage)
12feet[3.66m]
LOXtankmonococque;Fuel
Monococque
tankstringerandringframe
Aluminumlithium
Aluminumlithium

Liquid,gasgenerator
Liquid,gasgenerator
SpaceX
SpaceX
Merlin1C
MerlinVacuum
9
1
Liquidoxygen/Kerosene(RP1)
Liquidoxygen/Kerosene(RP1)
1,125,000lbf(sealevel)[5MN]
100,000lbf(vacuum)[445kN]
Turbopump
Turbopump
No
Yes(60100%)
No
Yes2restarts
Heatedhelium
Heatedhelium

Gimbaledengines
Gimbaledengine
Gimbaledengines
Turbineexhaustduct(gimbal)

Notapplicable
Monomethylhydrazine,
nitrogentetroxide
Notapplicable
Draco(4)
Notapplicable
90lbf[400N]each

170sec
354sec
Commandedshutdown
Commandedshutdown
Pneumaticallyactuated
Notapplicable
mechanicalcollets

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2.2. VehicleAxes/AttitudeDefinitions
TrueNorth
(10 degapp .)

Notes
Vehicleasseenfromabove
Vehiclecoordinateframeasshown
, withtheX
axisbeingthevehiclelongitudinalaxis
,positive
forward . Thiscoordinateframeisalignedwith
theErector

+Z(0deg)

PositiveClocking
Angle

S Band
60 deg

Q IV

UHF
300 deg

FairingSplitLine
292 .5 deg

C Band 270 deg

CBand
90 deg

QI

Q III

+Y

30 . 8

UHF
120 deg

TAA 3C
(Telemetry )

Q II

FPS 16 (Radar )

FTS
Transmitter

S Band 240 deg

JDMissileTracking
Annex

Transporter /
Errector

Figure21Falcon9launchvehiclelayoutandcoordinatesystem

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3. FacilitiesOverview
3.1. HeadquartersHawthorne,CA
SpaceXheadquartersareconvenientlylocatedinHawthorne,CA,afewmilesinlandfromLos
Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 550,000+ square foot (5.1 hectares) design and
manufacturing facility ranks among the largest manufacturing facilities in California. Two
completeFalcon9swillfitendtoendalongtheshortlengthofthebuilding.Forproduction,
there are three Falcon 1 lines, three parallel Falcon 9 lines, nearly two dozen Merlin engine
assemblystations,andDragoncapsuleproductionareas.Potentialcustomersareencouraged
toarrangeatourwhenintheLosAngelesarea.MapandDirections.

Figure31Hawthorne,CaliforniaHeadquarters

3.2. SpaceLaunchComplex40,CapeCanaveralAirForceStation,Florida
SpaceXhasaFalcon9launchsiteonCapeCanaveralAirForceStation(CCAFS).Thelaunchsite
isSpaceLaunchComplex40(SLC40),formerhomeoftheTitanIVheavyliftrockets.SpaceX
facilities at SLC40 include a hangar, propellant/pressurant storage and supply areas, launch
pad,andlightningtowers.AdjacenttothelaunchcomplexistheSpaceXadministrativeoffice
facility.SpaceXlaunchoperationsaremanagedfromtheLaunchControlCenter,locatedatthe
southentrancetoCCAFS.Agenerallayoutofthelaunchfacilitiesispresentedinthefollowing
figures.

Figure32LaunchComplex40atCapeCanaveralAirForceStation(CCAFS),Florida

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Figure33SpaceLaunchComplex40InstrumentationBaylocation

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Figure34SpaceLaunchComplex40Hangarlayout

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3.3. SpaceLaunchComplex4East,VandenbergAirForceBase(VAFB),California
SpaceX plans to establish a launch facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in central
California to meet customer needs for polar and sunsynchronous capability. SpaceXs
headquarters,manufacturingandproductionfacilityislocatedintheLosAngelesarea,within
driving distance or a short flight to VAFB. SpaceX has previously worked with the Range at
VAFB on Falcon 1 facilities, including conducting a static fire at SLC3 West in 2005. The
candidate launch site, pending discussions with the U.S. Air Force, would be at Space Launch
Complex4East(SLC4E).ThedesignoftheFalcon9launchsiteatVAFBwillmirrorthefacilities
andoperationsimplementedattheCapeCanaverallaunchsite.

Figure35SLC4East,VAFB

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3.4. U.S.ArmyKwajaleinAtoll,MarshallIslands
SpaceX has an operational Falcon 1 launch site at the Kwajalein Atoll, about 2500 miles
southwestofHawaii.TheFalcon1launchfacilitiesaresituatedonOmelekIsland,partofthe
Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (RTS) at United States Army Kwajalein Atoll
(USAKA).ThelocationandagenerallayoutofthelaunchfacilityarepresentedinFigure36.
SpaceXisevaluatingestablishingalaunchfacilityforFalcon9atKwajaleinthatwouldprovide
superiorperformancetogeosynchronoustransferorbitaswellashighinclinationorbits.

Figure36Falcon1launchsite,KwajaleinAtoll

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3.5. TestFacilityCentralTexas
Structural and propulsion tests are conducted at the rapidly growing and expanding test site
locatedinMcGregor,Texas,justwestofWaco.Convenientlylocated2hoursfrombothAustin
and Dallas, the site is staffed with test engineers, technicians and management personnel.
During preparation and testing, the site also plays host to personnel from the California
headquarterswhosupplementtheTexasteam.

Figure37SpaceXsTexasTestFacility

3.6. GovernmentOutreachandLegalAffairsWashington,DC
SpaceXsgovernmentoutreachandlicensingteamislocatedinWashington,DC.

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4. GeneralPerformanceCapability
4.1. PerformanceCapability
TheFalcon9launchvehicleperformancepresentedinthefollowingtablesandfiguresisforthe
Block2(seeparagraph2.1.2fordetails).Theperformanceshownisthemaximumcapabilityof
theFalcon9Block2withmarginwithheldbySpaceXtoensuremissionsuccess.Pleasenote
typicalpayloadsintheFalcon9classtypicallybelow15000lbs(6800kg).Potentialcustomers
should contact SpaceX if they contemplate flying extraheavy payloads or using most of the
listedperformanceoftheFalcon9.

Forreference,thefollowingisalistoftablesandfiguresinthissection:

Section4.1ListofFigures
Figure41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral)........................19
Figure42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit.................................................20
Figure43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit...........................................21
Figure44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)..........................22
Figure45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit...........................23
Figure46Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein)........24
Figure47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromCape..........................25
Figure48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromKwaj..........................26
Figure49Falcon9SampleFlightProfile,GeosynchronousTransferOrbitMission.................27

Section4.1ListofTables
Table41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral).........................19
Table42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit....................................................20
Table43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit............................................21
Table44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)............................22
Table45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit............................23
Table46Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein).........24
Table47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromCape...........................25
Table48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromKwaj............................26
Table49Falcon9SampleFlightTimeline,GeosynchronousTransferOrbitMission...............28

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4.1.1. LowEarthOrbit
12000

10000

PayloadMass (kg)

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

CircularAltitude(km)
51.6deg

38deg

28.5deg

Figure41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral)

Table41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral)

CircularOrbit
Altitude(km)
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000

PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(degrees)
28.5
38
51.6
10454
10221
9823
10202
9975
9586
9953
9737
9358
9727
9508
9138
9503
9289
8924
9287
9076
8719
9080
8872
8522
8879
8676
8331
8687
8486
8148

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Altitude(km)
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000

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PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(degrees)
28.5
38
51.6
8500
8303
7970
8320
8127
7799
8147
7957
7635
7979
7792
7475
7817
7633
7320
7662
7480
7172
7510
7330
7028
7364
7187
6888
7221
7048
6753
7085
6913
6622

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4.1.2. Polar
12000

10000

PayloadMass (kg)

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

CircularAltitude(km)
60deg

70deg

80deg

90deg

Figure42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit
Table42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit

CircularOrbit
Altitude(km)
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000

PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(degrees)
60
9598
9392
9166
8948
8738
8535
8340
8153
7972

SCM2008010Rev.1

70
9254
9057
8841
8628
8424
8227
8037
7854
7679

80
8904
8712
8506
8300
8102
7910
7726
7549
7378

90
8561
8377
8175
7969
7782
7597
7418
7246
7079

CircularOrbit
Altitude(km)
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000

CopyrightSpaceX2009

PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(degrees)
60
7797
7629
7466
7310
7158
7011
6869
6731
6599
6470

70
7509
7345
7187
7034
6887
6744
6606
6473
6343
6215

80
7213
7054
6900
6752
6609
6470
6336
6206
6081
5960

90
6919
6765
6616
6472
6332
6198
6069
5943
5820
5702

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Falcon9UsersGuide
4.1.3. SunSynchronous
9000
8000
7000

PayloadMass (kg)

6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

CircularOrbitAltitude(km)

Figure43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit

Table43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit

CircularOrbit
Altitude(km)
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000

Inclination
(degrees)
96.3
96.7
97.0
97.4
97.8
98.2
98.6
99.0
99.5

Payload
Mass(kg)
8351
8159
7949
7742
7541
7348
7162
6981
6807

CircularOrbit
Altitude(km)
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000

Inclination
(degrees)
99.9
100.4
100.9
101.4
102.0
102.5
103.1
103.7
104.3
104.9

Payload
Mass(kg)
6639
6476
6319
6166
6017
5874
5735
5600
5468
5340

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4.1.4. C3EscapeVelocity
4500
4000
3500

PayloadMass (kg)

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
20

10

10

20

30

40

C3(km^2/s^2)

50

Figure44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)

Table44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)

C3
(km^2/s^2)
16
14
11
8
6
3
0

PayloadMass(kg)
EscapeEnergyPerformance
CapeCanaveral
3823
3598
3373
3148
2923
2698
2473

SCM2008010Rev.1

C3
(km^2/s^
2)
4
7
11
14
19
23
28
33
39
45

CopyrightSpaceX2009

PayloadMass(kg)
EscapeEnergyPerformance
CapeCanaveral
2248
2023
1798
1573
1348
1123
898
673
448
223

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4.1.5. GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(CapeCanaveral)
8000

7000

PayloadMass (kg)

6000

5000
28.5Inclination
23deginclination

4000

21deginclination
19deginclination

3000

17deginclination
15deginclination

2000

1000

0
0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

90000

100000

ApogeeAltitude(km)with185kmperigee(CapeCanaveral)

Figure45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit
Table45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit

Orbit
Altitude
(km)
10000
20000
30000
35786
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
90000
100000

15
4392
3551
3130
2972
2880
2715
2598
2512
2445
2391
2348

17
4921
3970
3501
3325
3224
3043
2915
2820
2747
2688
2641

PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(deg)
19
21
23
5447
5947
6391
4374
4744
5060
3853
4172
4442
3660
3963
4216
3550
3842
4087
3351
3627
3857
3212
3477
3697
3109
3365
3578
3029
3279
3487
2966
3211
3415
2914
3156
3356

25
6740
5300
4643
4405
4269
4028
3860
3736
3641
3565
3504

28.5
7002
5471
4784
4536
4394
4144
3969
3841
3742
3664
3601

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4.1.6. GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein)
8000

7000

PayloadMass (kg)

6000

5000

4000

9deginclination
5deginclination

3000

0deginclination

2000

1000

0
0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

90000

100000

ApogeeAltitude(km)with185kmperigee(Kwajalein)

Figure46Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein)
Table46Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit(Kwajalein)

OrbitAltitude
(km)
10000
20000
30000
35786
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
90000
100000

9
7203
5638
4935
4682
4537
4282
4103
3972
3871
3792
3727

PayloadMass(kg)
Inclination(deg)
5
6859
5408
4744
4503
4365
4120
3949
3823
3727
3650
3588

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5750
4618
4074
3875
3759
3552
3407
3299
3216
3150
3097

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4.1.7. Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Delta-Velocity To Go) [Cape]

5000
4500

PayloadMass(kg)

4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

DeltaVtoGEO(meters/sec)fromCapeCanaveral
F9withoutdeltaV missionkit(Cape)

F9withdeltaVmissionkit(Cape)

Figure47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromCape
Table47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromCape

Without delta-V mission kit

Delta-V to Payload Mass
GSO (m/s)
(kg)
1588
2972
1617
3325
1650
3660
1685
3963
1723
4216
1763
4405
1837
4536

SCM2008010Rev.1

With delta-V mission kit

Delta-V to Payload Mass
GSO (m/s)
(kg)
1127
1400
1158
1600
1202
1900
1307
2600
1407
3200
1498
3600
1533
3700
1682
3900

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4.1.8. Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Delta-Velocity To Go) [Kwajalein]
5000
4500
4000

PayloadMass (kg)

3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1100

1150

1200

1250

1300

1350

1400

1450

1500

1550

DeltaVtoGEO(meters/sec)fromKwajalein
F9withoutdeltaV missionkit(Kwaj)

F9withdeltaVmissionkit(Kwaj)

Figure48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromKwaj
Table48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocitytoGo)fromKwaj

Without delta-V mission kit

Delta-V to Payload Mass
GSO (m/s)
(kg)
1479
3875
1491
4503
1519
4682

SCM2008010Rev.1

With delta-V mission kit

Delta-V to Payload Mass
GSO (m/s)
(kg)
1196
3300
1325
4000
1395
4100
1444
4200

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4.2. SampleMissionProfiles
Eachmissionisuniqueinitsflightprofile.However,atypicalflightprofileforamaximumcapabilitygeosynchronoustransferorbit
mission(includingadeltaVmissionkit)isshownintheFigure49,below,andinTable49.

Fairing Separation
T+199.2 sec

Stage Separation
T+176.2 sec

Coast T+476-1488sec
2nd Stage Engine Start
#1 T+179.2 sec

2nd Stage Engine CutOff

#1 T+475.9 sec

Payload Sep
T+20978.8 sec

2nd Stage Engine Start

#2 T+1488.6 sec
2nd Stage Engine
CutOff #2
T+1544.6 sec

RCS Burn
T+19913.2
20968.8 sec

Main Engine CutOff

T+174.2 sec

2 engine shutdown
T+155.5 sec

Liftoff (Cape
Canaveral) T=0.0 sec

Figure49Falcon9SampleFlightProfile,GeosynchronousTransferOrbitMission

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Table49Falcon9SampleFlightTimeline,GeosynchronousTransferOrbitMission

TimeAfterLiftoff
(seconds)
0.0
7.5
55.0
76.0
115.0
155.5
174.2
176.2
179.2
199.2
475.9
1488.6
1544.6
19913.2
20968.8
20978.8

Event
LiftofffromCapeCanaveral
InitialPitchKick
Begingravityturn
MaxQ
Releaseangleofattackrestrictions
Shutdown2enginesforaccelerationlimit
MainEngineCutOff
Stage1/Stage2separation
Secondstageenginestart#1
Payloadfairingjettison
Secondstageenginecutoff#1
Secondstageenginestart#2
Secondstageenginecutoff#2
ReactionControlSystemignition(apogeekick)
ReactionControlSystemcutoff
Payloadseparation(T+5hrs,49min)

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4.3. MassProperties
Falcon9canaccommodatetypicalpayloadswithmassfrom300015000lbs(13606800kg).
Forthesepayloads,themaximumallowablecenterofgravitylateraloffsetislessthan5inches
(12.7cm)fornonspinstabilizedmissionsand0.5inches(1.25cm)forspinstabilizedmissions.
Themaximumcenterofgravityoffsetfromthemechanicalinterfaceontopofthesecondstage
payloadadapteris120inches(305cm).

4.4. SeparationAccuracy
Prior to separation, Falcon 9 can point the upper stage/payload to any desired attitude and
minimizeallrotationrates.Attitudeerrorswillbenogreaterthan1.4degreesabouteachaxis.
Attituderotationrateswillbelessthan0.2degree/secinpitchandyaw,and0.25degree/secin
roll.Forspinstabilizedmissions,priortoseparation,Falcon9pointstheupperstage/payload
tothedesiredattitudeandprovidesaspinaboutthelongitudinalaxis.Thespinaxisorientation
will be accurate to within 1.75 degrees, assuming a maximum 0.5 inches payload center of
gravityoffsetasmentionedinSection4.3.

4.5. MissionAccuracyData
As a liquid propellant vehicle with restart capability, Falcon 9 provides the flexibility required
forpayloadinsertionintoorbitwithhighereccentricityandfordeployingmultiplepayloadsinto
slightly different orbits. Until verified by actual operations, SpaceX expects to achieve the
followingminimumtargetorbitalinsertionaccuracy:

LowEarthOrbit
Perigee

10km
Apogee

10km
Inclination

0.1deg
RightAscensionofAscendingNode 0.15deg

GeosynchronousTransferOrbit
Perigee

7.4km
Apogee

130km
Inclination

0.1deg
RightAscensionofAscendingNode 0.75deg
ArgumentofPerigee

0.3deg

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5. GeneralPayloadInformation
5.1. PayloadFairing
5.1.1. GeneralDescription
TheFalcon9fairingis17ft(5.22m)indiameterandcanaccommodateacombinationofupto
three access doors or radio frequency (RF) windows in the cylindrical portion. The standard
payload fairing door is a maximum of 24 inches (61 cm) in size. Combinations of acoustic
surfacesareusedinsidethepayloadfairingtohelpachievetheacousticenvironment.

5.1.2. Falcon9Fairing

MECHANICAL
MATINGPLANETO
LAUNCHVEHICLE
ADAPTER/
SEPARATION
SYSTEM

Figure51Falcon9standardfairinganddynamicenvelope*,meters[inches]

*Dynamic envelope (shown as PAYLOAD VOLUME above) indicates the volume that the
spacecraftcanmovewithin.

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5.1.3. PayloadSeparation

Payloadseparationisatypicallyatimedevent(usuallyinreferencetocompletionofanengine
eventandassociatedcoastperiod)issuedbytheFalcon9flightcomputer.TheFalcon9second
stage can hold a stable attitude for payload separation or can spin up to a maximum of 5
rotationsperminute(RPM)(nonstandardservice).

Thelaunchvehiclecanprovideasignaltothepayloadatseparationtoinitiatepayloadpower
up.Alternateconfigurationsforseparationsignals(breakwires,separationswitchesmonitored
directlybythepayloadorotherconfigurations)canbeaccommodatedasoptions.

5.1.4. CollisionAvoidance
Asastandardservice,aCollisionAvoidanceManeuver(CAM)analysiscanbecompleted,
performancepermitting.

5.2. PayloadEnvironments
Falcon9launchvehiclesuseliquidpropellantwithasinglestagingevent,lowthrusttoweight,
and low dynamic pressure flight. The environments presented below are intended to reflect
typical mission levels; mission specific analyses are to be performed and documented in the
Interface Control Document (ICD) per payload needs. Specific individual environments are
definedinthefollowingsections.

Throughout preflight and flight operations, various environmental contributions may vary in
importance.Certainevents,suchaspyrotechnicfiringsandstageburnout,addspecificquasi
static or dynamic loads for specified durations, which may or may not need to be added to
otherenvironmentsexperiencedatthesametime.
5.2.1. TransportationEnvironments
SpaceXisintheprocessofquantifyingthetransportationenvironmentsthataspacecraftwill
encounterwhilebeingtransportedfromthepayloadprocessingfacility(ifprocessedoutsideof
theSpaceXHangaratSLC40)tothehangarandfromthehangartoverticalonthelaunchpad.
This transportation segment will be primarily accomplished by wheeled vehicle (payload
transporterfromacustomerselectedpayloadprocessingfacilityandonthetransportererector
tothelaunchpad)whenlaunchingfromCapeCanaveral.FuturelaunchesfromtheKwajalein
AtolllocationwillalsorequireshipmentfromthemainislandofKwajaleinacrosstotheFalcon
9launchsiteislandviaship.

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5.2.2. Humidity,CleanlinessandThermalControl
Payloadenvironmentsduringvariousprocessingphasesare:
Inhangar,encapsulated:
Temperature: 70F5F
Humidity:
50%5%
Cleanliness: Class10,000
Flowrate:
1,000cfm
Duringrollout(&transportfromPayloadProcessingFacility[PPF])*:
Temperature: 70F5F
Humidity:
50%5%
Cleanliness: Class10,000
Flowrate:
1,000cfm
Onpadpayloadenvironmentalcontrolsystem(horizontalorvertical):
Temperature: anysettingbetween50Fand85F5F
Humidity:
anysettingbetween20%and50%5%
Cleanliness: Class5,000
Flowrate:
Variablefrom1000to4500cfm

*Conditionedairwillbedisconnectedforashortdurationwhentheerectorarrivesatthepad
andthefairingumbilicalisswitchedovertothepadairconditioningsupply.

5.2.3. LaunchandFlightEnvironments
Thissectionprovidesdetailsonthemaximumpredictedenvironments(MPE)thepayloadwill
experience during Falcon 9 launch vehicle ground operations, integration, flight, and initial
orbitaloperations.

5.2.3.1. DesignLoadFactors

During flight, the payload will experience a range of axial and lateral accelerations. Axial
acceleration is determined by the vehicle thrust history and drag, while maximum lateral
accelerationisprimarilydeterminedbywindgusts,enginegimbalmaneuvers,firststageengine
shutdowns,andothershortdurationevents.Falcon9DesignLoadFactorsareshownusingthe
envelope plotted in Figure 52. The design load factors provided here are expected to be
conservative for payloads with the following basic characteristics: a fundamental bending
modegreaterthan10Hz,afundamentalaxialmodegreaterthan25Hz,andamassbetween
3,000and20,000lbs(13609070kg).Apositiveaxialvalueindicatesacompressivenetcenter
of gravity acceleration, while a negative value indicates tension. Actual spacecraft loads,
accelerations,anddeflectionsareafunctionofboththelaunchvehicleandpayloadstructural
dynamicpropertiesandcanonlybeaccuratelydeterminedviaacoupledloadsanalysis.

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7
-0.5, 6

0.5, 6

5
0.5, 4

-0.5, 4

-2, 3.5

2, 3.5

AXIAL (G)

0
-2.5

-2

-1.5

-1

-0.5
-0.5, -1.5

0.5

-1

1.5

2.5

0.5, -1.5

-2, -1.5

2, -1.5
-0.5, -2

-2

0.5, -2

-3
LATERAL (G)

Figure52Falcon9DesignLoadFactors

5.2.3.2. ShockEnvironment

Therearefoureventsduringflightthatarecharacterizedasshockloads:
1)Vehicleholddownreleaseatliftoff
2)2ndstageseparation
3)Fairingseparation
4)Payloadreleaseandseparation

Oftheshockevents,(1)and(2)arenegligibleforthepayloadrelativeto(3)and(4)duetothe
large distance and number of joints over which shocks (1) and (2) will travel and dissipate.
Maximum shock loading (3) and (4) is measured and scaled for various preloads required for
the payload fairing and payload separation systems. The resulting maximum shock
environment predicted at payload interface for payload fairing separation and payload
separation(fora937mmclampbandseparationsystem)isshowninFigure53.Actualshock
fromthepayloadspecificseparationsystemrequiresselectionofaseparationsystemandthe
associatedpayloadmassproperties.
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Figure53Falcon9shockresponseatpayloadinterface

5.2.3.3. AcousticEnvironment

During flight, the payload will be subjected to a varying acoustic environment. Levels are
highestatliftoffandduringtransonicflight,duetoaerodynamicexcitation.Theenvironment
showninFigure54doesnotincludemarginforqualificationorforacceptancetesting.Thisis
themaximumpredictedacousticenvironment.

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Figure54Falcon9acousticenvironmentrequirement(OASPL=139.6dB)

Table51Falcon9acousticenvironment

OctaveCenter
Frequency(Hz)
31.5
63

F9Maximum
PredictedAcoustic
Environment(OASPL=
139.6dB)
128.0
131.0

125
250
500

135.2
133.6
130.3

1000
2000

126.0
120.0

4000

116.0

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5.2.3.4. SineVibrationEnvironment

SpaceXrecommendsderivingapayloadspecificsinevibrationenvironmentcurvebasedupona
coupled loads analysis if significant flight history is not available. Actual spacecraft loads,
accelerations, and displacements are a function of both the launch vehicle and payload
structural dynamic properties and can only be accurately determined via a coupled loads
analysis.

TheSpaceXapproachforFalcon9istouseresultsfromcoupledloadsanalysistoderiveashock
responsespectrumonthevibrationlevelsatthepayloadinterface.Foragivenmodaldamping
value, a smoothed envelope of peak responses is created that is used to produce a sine
vibrationinputcurve.

SineVibrationDerivationMethodology:
Performshockresponsespectrum(SRS)analysisonvibrationlevelsatlaunch
vehicle/spacecraftinterface
o Usemeasuredhistoricaldata,ifavailable
o Useresultsfromcoupledloadsanalysis,ifnomeasureddataavailable
o Requiresanalysttoassumedamping(Q)
DividepeakresponsevaluesateachfrequencybyQ
Determineasmoothedenvelopeofpeakresponsestoproducedsinevibrationinput
curve
Minimizeovertestingbyresponselimitingandnotchinginputbasemotions
o Limitpeakaccelerationandinterfaceforces/momentsusingCoupledLoads
AnalysisCLAresults
o Limitcriticalcomponentaccelerations

SpaceXcanconvertCraigBamptonandDataRecoveryMatrices(DRMs)fromMetrictoUS
StandardInchPoundSecond(IPS).SpaceXpreferstohavethepayloadmathmodelsinIPS
units,butcanacceptSIunits.

5.2.3.5. RadioFrequency(RF)Environment

Payload customers must ensure that spacecraft materials or components sensitive to an RF

environment are compatible with both the launch pad environment and the RF environment
during flight. The spacecraft RF characteristics should satisfy the limitations shown in Figure
56.

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Table52Falcon9LaunchvehicleRFsystemcharacteristics

Source

Command
Destruct

Radar
Transponder

Receive

Band
Frequency
(MHz)
PowerOutput

Function
Rate

5
Stg2
Launch
Vehicle
Telem

Radar
Transponder

4
Stg1
Launch
Vehicle
Telem

Transmit

Receive

Transmit

Transmit

UHF

CBand

CBand

SBand

SBand

421

5765

5690

2221.5

2213.5

N/A

400Wpeak

N/A

10W

20W

Modulation

Pulse

Pulse

PCM/FM

PCM/FM

DataRate

2000pps

3000pps

1.8Mbps

1.8Mbps

Function
Rate
Band
Frequency
(MHz)
PowerOutput
Modulation
DataRate

Source
6
Stage1
Launch
Vehicle
Video

10

11

Stage2
Launch
VehicleVideo

GPSL1

Recovery
Iridium

Recovery
Iridium

Telecommand

Transmit

Transmit

Receive

Receive

Transmit

Receive

SBand

SBand

LBand

2251.5

1575.42

LBand
1610
1626.5

SBand

2273.5

LBand
1610
1625.5

2038.265

5W

10W

N/A

N/A

FM/NTSC

FM/NTSC

BPSK/DSSS

QPSK

QPSK

PM/PSK/PCM

NTSC

NTSC

10Mbps

2.4kbps

2.4kbps

2kbps

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Freq (MHz)
30.0
1609.9
1610.0
1626.0
1626.1
2199.5
2200.0
2300.0
2300.5
5754.9
5755.0
5775.0
5775.1
10000.0
18000.0

E Field Limit
(dBV/m)
90
90
140
140
90
90
150
150
90
90
163
163
90
90
40

Figure55Falcon9WorstCaseRadiatedEnvironment

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Freq (MHz)
0.0
409.5
410.0
430.0
430.5
1564.5
1565.0
1585.0
1585.5
1609.5
1610.0
1630.0
1630.5
2024.5
2025.0
2110.0
2110.5
5679.5
5680.0
5700.0
5700.5
10000.0
18000.0

E Field Limit
(dBV/m)
120.0
120.0
20.0
20.0
120.0
120.0
20.0
20.0
120.0
120.0
20.0
20.0
120.0
120.0
20.0
20.0
120.0
120.0
60.0
60.0
120.0
120.0
146.0

Figure56AllowablePayloadRadiatedEmissionsforFalcon9RFSusceptibility

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5.2.3.6. FairingInternalPressureEnvironment

Payloadfairinginternalpressuredecayratesarelimitedto0.4psi/sec(2.76kPa/sec),exceptfor
atransonicspiketo0.9psi/sec(6.2kPa/sec).
5.2.3.7. PayloadTemperatureExposureDuringFlight

The Falcon 9 payload fairing is a composite structure consisting of a 1inch (2.5cm) thick
aluminumhoneycombcoresurroundedbycarbonfiberfacesheetplies.Theemissivityofthe
payloadfairingisapproximately0.9.Baseduponthisemissivity,thepayloadfairinginnerwall
temperature is bounded as shown in Figure 57. The curve is truncated at 250 seconds,
althoughtheapproximatetimeofpayloadfairingjettisonforageosynchronoustransferorbit
mission from Cape Canaveral is earlier, at 200 seconds. Payload fairing jettison timing is
determinedbycustomerrequirements.

Figure57MaximumPayloadFairingTemperatureSeenByPayload

5.3. PayloadInterfaces
Falcon 9 will provide the pyrotechnic impulses necessary to initiate separation events. The
launchvehiclewillalsoprovideasignaltothepayloadatseparationtoinitiatepayloadpower
up.Alternateconfigurationsforseparationsignals(breakwires,separationswitchesmonitored
directlybythepayload,orotherconfigurations)canbeaccommodatedasoptions.

Thestandardpayloadfairingprovidesupto3accessdoors,24(61cm)inheight,forprelaunch
access.Thesedoorsarenotdesignedforemergencyaccessintothepayloadfairingoncethe
launchvehicleisonthepad.Undernominaloperatingconditions,allprocessingthatrequires
accesstothepayloadmustbecompletepriortofairinginstallation.Intheeventofaspacecraft
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propellantsystemfailurethatrequirescontingencypropellantoffload,thestandardconceptof
operationsforFalcon9istoreturnthelaunchvehicletothehangar.
5.3.1. Falcon9PayloadAttachFittings
Falcon 9 launch vehicles do not baseline a specific separation system. Customers have the
option to provide the payload adapter and separation system to interface directly with a
payloadadapterattachmentlocationprovidedasastandardservicebySpaceX.Alternatively,
SpaceXcansupplythepayloadadapterandseparationsystemasanonstandardservice.

TheFalcon9PayloadInterfaceRingisusedinthe5.2m(17ft)fairingconfiguration.Thissimple
interfaceisprovidedforcustomerswithmediumandintermediateclasspayloadsthatprefer
to provide their own launch vehicle adapter/separation system. A diagram of the Falcon 9
payloadinterface,whichconsistsofa1575mmdiameterboltpattern,followsinFigure58.

SpaceX has experience integrating numerous commerciallyavailable and internallydeveloped

payload separation systems. A Marmon clamp system was flown on the first Falcon 1
demonstration flight 1 and a LightBand system from Planetary Systems Corporation was
employed on the second Falcon 1 demonstration flight. Additionally, SpaceX is currently
developing a lowshock tension band separation system for the Falcon 9, which uses a non
pyrotechnicreleasemechanism.

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Figure58Falcon9PayloadInterfaceRing(Note:unitsareininches)

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5.3.2. TestFittingsandFitcheckPolicy
A mechanical fit check (including electrical connector locations) may be conducted with the
spacecraft or a representative spacecraft using a mechanical template. This is typically done
prior to shipment of the spacecraft to the launch site. SpaceX personnel will be available to
conductthisactivityattheSpaceXfacility.Specificrequirementsforthefitcheckwillbetaken
intoconsiderationduringtheintegrationprocesswiththeSpaceXMissionManager.
5.3.3. ElectricalInterfaces
Payload electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) is located in Room B9 (see Figure 33)
beneath the launch pad deck at SLC40. This room is 8x28 feet in size and 8 feet tall. It is
adjacenttoRoomB10.AninterfacepanelwouldbeinstalledbetweenroomsB9andB10to
provideaminimumof:
Sixunbalancedtransistortransistorlogic(TTL)circuitsterminatedwithBNCconnectors
SixbalancedRS422circuitsterminatedwithTrompeterRL75Cconnectors
SixRS232circuitsterminatedwithDB25Maleconnectors
SixEthernetcircuitsterminatedwithRJ45jacks
The customer typically provides a 20foot cable to interface between the spacecraft to EGSE
room wiring junction box and the spacecraft EGSE. SpaceX will connect the cable to the
junctionbox.SpaceXcanprovidethisinterfacecableasanonstandardservice.

Wiring between the spacecraft umbilical junction box on the erector and the spacecraft
electricalgroundsupportequipment(EGSE)inRoomB10consistsof:
80conductorsof18AWGcopperwiring
24conductorsof22AWGcopperwiring
24conductorsof12AWGcopperwiring
12RG6Coaxcables
5Cat6Ethernetcables

CablelengthbetweentheEGSEinterfaceboxinroomB10andtheerectorquickdisconnectis
175feet,andfromthequickdisconnecttothespacecraftisapproximately180feet.Thewiring
givenaboveisthewiringrunuptothetopofthetower.Themaximumamountofconductors
tothespacecraftislimitedbythequickdisconnectconnectoratthevehicleskinandusingthe
ICDworksheetthecustomerneedstoselectwhichofthelistedconductorstouse.

Spacecraft electrical signals are carried from the erector junction box to the second stage
umbilical plate. At the umbilical plate, the spacecraft umbilical is mated to a dedicated
spacecraft electrical connector. SpaceX has the ability to modify the electrical connector to
provide different combinations of current, total pins, or coax capability. For example, the
spacecraftumbilicalcouldbeconfiguredtoprovide:
120signalcontactswiresize22AWG,4ampcurrent,or

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24signalcontactswiresizes12AWG,17ampscurrent

Therearenostandardprovisionsforanelectricalumbilicalthroughthepayloadfairingtomate
withthepayload.

Fromtheumbilicalplate,thepayloadharness(es)areroutedalongtheexteriorofthesecond
stagepropellanttanks.Tunnelcoversprovideprotectionduringgroundoperationsandflight.
The payload electrical harnesses are then routed back inside the Falcon 9 along the payload
adapter.ElectricalharnessesarematedtothespacecraftusingSpaceXorcustomersupplied
electricalconnectors.TheFalcon9electricalinterfacetothespacecraftitselfistypicallyoneor
twoinflightdisconnectconnectorsthatincludeabreakwireground.SpaceXprovidesDeutsch
inflightdisconnect(s)asastandardpayloadelectricalinterface.Theconnectordesignationsfor
the37pininflightdisconnectare:
D8174E370SN1A(Payloadside)
D8179E370PN1A(LaunchVehicleside)

ConnectivitybetweenthepayloadEGSE,locatedintheInstrumentationBaybelowthelaunch
pad, and the payload is provided by an electrical umbilical. This umbilical is routed up the
erectorandmatestothepayloaddedicatedelectricalconnectoronthesecondstageumbilical
plate.

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Figure59SpacecrafttoLaunchVehicle/LaunchPadElectricalArchitecture

Figure510SpacecraftumbilicaltoFalcon9secondstageconnection

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5.4. PayloadIntegration
While SpaceX does not require the payload to be at the launch site until two weeks prior to
launch,thePayloadProcessingFacility(PPF)willbemadeavailableforpayloadoperationsfor
upto3weekspriortolaunchateachofoursites.Additionaltimeintheprocessingfacilitymay
beavailableasanonstandardservice.

Figure511SLC40PayloadProcessingCleanAreainHangar

ThePPFisadesignatedCleanAreawithinthehangar.A33fttallcleanareacurtainprovides
separation from the launch vehicleside of the hangar, while allowing the 34 ft bridge cranes
access to the entire hangar. An additional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
system keeps the PPF at Class 100,000 or better. All payload activities including equipment
unload,unpacking/packing,payloadcheckoutandhypergolicfuelingmaybeperformedinthis
area.

SpaceX will monitor relative humidity, temperature and cleanliness in the payload processing
facility, with the exception of periods when the satellite is mated to the second stage and
duringlaunchvehiclemaneuveringonthepad.

Asanonstandardservice,SpaceXwillhelparrangetheuseofAstroTechfacilitiesnearCCAFS
forpayloadprocessing.

5.4.1. IntegrationSchedule
At approximately launch minus 18 days, the integration process begins (see Figure 514) and
includesthefollowing:
Thepayloadisverticallyintegratedontothepayloadadapter
The payload and adapter are then installed on the breakover fixture, rotated
horizontallyandencapsulatedbythefairinginthePPF(NOTE:SpaceXhasthecapability
to encapsulate a payload in either a vertical or horizontal position using an
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encapsulationbreakoverfixture.However,ifencapsulationoccursintheSpaceXhangar
atthelaunchsite,itmustbeperformedhorizontally.)
The encapsulated payload is then moved horizontally to the launch vehicle/launch
complex
Once inside the hangar at the launch complex, the encapsulated payload assembly is
mechanicallymatedtothelaunchvehicle
Electrical umbilicals between the second stage and the payload are mated and the
payloadisconnectedtoelectricalgroundsupportequipment(ifrequired)
Following electrical interface verification, the entire launch vehicle is lifted onto the
erector
TheFalcon9launchvehicleistransportedtothepadontheerector
Finalconnectionsbetweengroundsupportequipment,thelaunchmount,andFalcon9
aremade
o Whileonthepad,thevehiclegoesverticalfornecessarycheckouts.
o ThereisnoaccesstothepayloadwhileFalcon9isvertical.
Access to the payload while the vehicle is outside of the Hangar on the launch pad
requiresspecialaccommodationsandisanonstandardservice.
Falcon9islaunched

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Figure512Falcon9PayloadEncapsulation

Figure513EncapsulatedPayloadMatetoFalcon92ndStage

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Falcon 9 Launch Operations

L-16 Days

Launch
Vehicle
Ops

LV
Stages
Arrive

L-15 Days

L-14 Days

Stage
Functionals

L-10 Days

Stage
Mate
LV
Functional
Check

Stage Leak
checks

L-7 Days

L-6 Days

L-4 Days

L-3 Days

LV
Simflight
FTS
Health
Check

Launch Pad
Equipment
Checkout

Payload
Mate to
Vehicle

Rollout to
Pad

Erector
Hydraulics
Checkouts

LV to Pad
Integrated
Checks

L-2 Days

L-1 Days

Range
Comm
Checks

Erect LV

FTS
Checks

Align
Vehicle

LV
Propellant
Load
Launch

Final
Ordnance
Connect

TVC
Checkout

Postlaunch
Safing

Final
Propellant
Top-off

L-1 Pad
Checkouts

Final Pad
Preps

Ground
Ops
Launch
Readiness
Review

Mission
Rehearsal

Payload
Arrival

Payload
Mate to
Adaptor

Payload
Checkout
and
Fueling

Payload
Encapsulation

Payload
Transfer to
Integration
Facility

Range
Launch
Readiness
Review

Launch

Payload
Umbilical
Connect

Payload
Ops

NOTE: Payload Checkout and

Fueling typically will occur
beforematingtotheadapter

Figure514NominalLaunchOperationsFlow

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5.4.2. DocumentationRequirements
Thepayloadcustomerisresponsibleforgeneratingtheirownrange,rangesafety,andFederal
Aviation Administration (FAA) documentation. However, SpaceX will facilitate the required
discussions and will coordinate submittals with the appropriate organizations. At a minimum,
thefollowingdocumentsmustbeprovided:

Programintroductiontotherange
Spacecraftdesignoverviewwithgraphics
Safetydocumentationincluding:hazardanalysesandreports,vehiclebreakupmodels
(debris data) and detailed design and test information for all hazardous systems
(batteries,pressurizedsystemsorotherhazardousorsafetycriticalmaterials,propellant
data)
Launchsiteoperationsplananddetailedprocedures(Note:hazardousproceduresmust
beapprovedbyrangesafety)
Interfaceverificationstatement
Applicationforapayloaddetermination(fornonUSGovernmentpayloadsonly)
Environmentalstatement

In addition to these documents, input is required to support development of the ICD, launch
countdownprocedures,andtheLaunchReadinessReview(LRR)package.
5.4.3. StandardServices
Aspartofanystandardlaunchservice,SpaceXprovidesthefollowing:
Personnel,services,hardware,equipment,documentation,reviews,analysesand
facilitiesnecessarytosupportmissionplanning,launcherproduction,missionand
payloadintegrationandlaunch
One(1)preliminarycoupledloadsanalysisandone(1)verificationcoupleloadsanalysis
ElectroMagneticCompatibility(EMC)assessment
One(1)flightsetofelectricalconnectors
Class100,000cleanroomintegrationspaceforthespacecraftforuptofourweeksprior
tothescheduledlaunchdateonthelaunchrangewithadditionalandadjacentsquare
feetforgroundsupportequipment(GSE)andpersonnel
CertifiedmechanicalGSEtosupportphysicalmatingofthespacecrafttothepayload
adapter,encapsulatethefairingandintegratetheencapsulatedsystemontothesecond
stage
Conditionedairintothefairing
Acombinationofuptothree(3)payloadaccessdoorsorRFwindowsinthefairing
Amissionsimulationtestexercisingoperationalreadiness,vehicleequipmentand
groundsystems
AMissionDressRehearsal,similartothemissionsimulationtest,forkeylaunchteam
members

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Processthelaunchvehicle,integrateandencapsulatethepayload,andtestelectrical
andsignalinterfaceswiththespacecraftatthelaunchrange
Provideallrangeandsafetyinterfaces(perAFSPCMAN91710)documenttemplatesfor
thespacecraftprovider
Facilitatetherangeandrangesafetyintegrationprocess
Launchthespacecraftintothespecifiedorbitwithinthespecifiedenvironmental
constraints
PerformaCollisionAvoidanceManeuver(asrequired)
Supportpostflightanalysisandgenerateareportdocumentingseparationfromthe
launchvehicle,thespacecraftinsertionorbitandconfirmationthatenvironmentsmet
requirements
GenerateallmissionrequiredlicensingincludingFAAandtheStateDepartment

5.4.4. NonstandardServices

AddaGN2purge
Class10,000cleanroomprocessingandairinthefairing
VisiblycleanLevel1
Accommodationforspacecraftfuelinginpayloadprocessingfacility
ElectroMagneticCompatibilityintegratedpowerontesting
FacilitatetheuseofAstroTechforpayloadprocessing
Spinstabilizationtoratesashighas5rpm(dependentuponpayloadmassproperties)

Other nonstandard services can be provided on a casebycase basis.

Formoreinformationorinquiriesaboutaspecificnonstandardservice,contactSpaceXor
includetheinformationinthePayloadQuestionnairefoundinSection8ofthisguide.

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6. LaunchOperations

Initial launches of the Falcon 9 will occur from SLC40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
(CCAFS) in Florida. SLC40 was previously used by the US Air Force for Titan III and Titan IV
launches. Launch azimuths from SLC40 support midinclination and geosynchronous transfer
orbitmissions.Inaddition,SpaceXhasdevelopedoperationallaunchfacilitiesatOmelekIsland
on the Reagan Test Site (RTS) for Falcon 1 launches to a wide range of orbital inclinations.
AdditionaldetailsonthelaunchsitesareprovidedinSection3.

Future plans include establishing Falcon 9 launch sites at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB),
California and at the US ArmyReagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll inthe CentralPacific. The
candidate launch site at VAFB, pending discussions with the US Air Force, would be at Space
LaunchComplex4East(SLC4E).ThedesignoftheFalcon9launchsiteatVAFBwillmirrorthe
facilitiesandoperationsimplementedattheCapeCanaverallaunchsite.

SpaceXmakesprelaunchoperationsassimpleandstreamlinedaspossible.SpaceXallowsthe
payload to be brought to the launch site as late as 2 weeks prior to launch. For customer
convenience,SpaceXcanprovideacleanarea(<100kcleanliness)withinthehangaratSLC40.
This capability provides for nonhazardous spacecraft processing for up to 4 weeks as a
standardservice.Hazardousfuelingoperationscanalsobeperformedinthehangarasanon
standard service. Alternatively, SpaceXcan facilitate payload processing, including hazardous
operations,atAstroTech'spayloadprocessingfacilityinFloridaasanonstandardservice.Ifa
spacecraft is processed at a facility other than SLC40, SpaceX will provide environmentally
controlled transportation from that facility to the hangar at the launch complex. Once the
satellite standalone checkouts are completed, and fairing encapsulation, integration to the
launchvehiclecanbecompletedinapproximately24hours.

SpaceX has the capability to encapsulate a payload in either a vertical or horizontal position
using an encapsulation breakover fixture. However, if encapsulation occurs in the SpaceX
hangar at the launch site, it must be performed horizontally. The payload is mated to the
payloadadapterintheverticalconfigurationandthenliftedontothebreakoverfixture.Fairing
encapsulation can then occur in this configuration vertically, or the breakover fixture can be
rotated horizontally prior to encapsulation. Once fully encapsulated and horizontal, the
EnvironmentalControlSystem(ECS)isconnectedandtheencapsulatedsystemisintegratedto
the second stage. Postmate checkouts are conducted and followed by a Flight Readiness
Review(FRR).

OncetheFRRiscomplete,preparationsaremadeforvehiclerollouttothepad.Theerectoris
broughtintothenorthendofthehangarandtheentirelaunchvehicleisliftedandplacedonto
theerector.EnvironmentalcontrolismaintainedbyconnectingtotheportableECS.Then,the
T0umbilicalquickdisconnectsQDsaremated.Aweatherbriefingisheld,andafterclearance
isreceived,thevehicleisrolledouttothepad.Afterrolloutiscomplete,theportableECSis

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replaced with the payload air conditioning system that functions through liftoff, maintaining
environmentalcontrol.Thevehicleisnowreadytogovertical.

Figure61Falcon9ontheerector

Notethattheintegratedpayloadandlaunchergoverticalwithin6daysoftheliftoff,however
thecapabilityexiststoeasilyreturntohorizontal,ifnecessary.

Oncethevehicleisverticalaseriesofvehicleandrangechecksconfirmoperationofthelaunch
system.Twentyfourhourspriortoliftoff,SpaceXconfirmslaunchreadinesswiththerangeat
theLaunchReadinessReview(LRR).

6.1. LaunchControlOrganization

SpaceXusestheorganizationalconceptsestablishedanddemonstratedonFalcon1launchesas
the basis for Falcon 9 missions. The main decisionmaking components of the launch control
organizationareshowninthetablebelow.Notethatthesearenotallthestationsparticipating
inthelaunch,merelythosethathaveinputtothedecisionmakingprocess.

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Table61LaunchControlOrganization
Position
MissionDirector

Abbrev.
MD

ResponsibleOrganization
SpaceXstandard
Customernonstandardservice

MissileFlightControlOfficeror
FlightSafetyOfficer

MFCO/FSO

LaunchRange

OperationsSafetyManageror
GroundSafetyOfficer
LaunchDirector

OSM/GSO

LaunchRange

LD

SpaceX

PayloadDirector

PM

PayloadCustomer

FlowDirector
(PadOperations)

FD

SpaceX

Thelaunchcontrolorganizationanditslinesofdecisionmakingareshowninthefigurebelow.
Pleasenotethatthisorganizationissomewhatdependentonthemissionandcustomer.The
payloadmanagerorhis/herrepresentativewillsitatthePayloadStationintheSpaceXLaunch
ControlCenter(LCC).

SolidlinesDecisionTree
DashedLinesCommunicationsPaths

Figure62LaunchControlOrganization

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6.2. SpacecraftTransporttoLaunchSite

Therearetwolocationsforthecustomertobringinthepayloadandassociatedequipmentat
Cape Canaveral; the Shuttle Landing Facility and the CCAFS Skid Strip. Upon arrival of the
spacecraft at either location, SpaceX will arrange, as a standard service, for the spacecraft
container and all associated test/support equipment to be offloaded from the plane and
transportedtothehangaratSpaceXsSLC40.ThisservicecanalsobeprovidedbyAstroTech,
whichSpaceXwillfacilitateasanonstandardservice.
6.2.1. ProcessingServicesandEquipment
Theservicesandequipmentprovidedforsatelliteprocessinginthecleanroomareainsidethe
SpaceX hangar at SLC40 are outlined in Table 62. SpaceX baselines a Class 100,000 clean
roomfacilityforpayloadprocessing.
Table62Servicesandequipmentforsatelliteprocessing
Capability

SpaceLaunchComplex40

CleanRoom
Dimensions(HxDxW)(ft)
Class
Temperature(F)
Humidity(%RH)
OverheadCrane
Hookheight(ft)
Capacity(ton)
Liftrate(m/min)

47x75x75
100,000
70.0+/15
2050

34
20(2total)
<3.0

Electrical(groundingperMILSTD1542)
110VAC
208VAC

TBD
TBD

OfficeSpace
Desks
Ethernet/Internet

TBD
TBD

ShopAir

Yes

Security
LockingFacility
LaunchSiteBadges

Yes
Yes

Communications
AreaWarningSystem
PagingSystem
AdministrativePhone

Yes
Yes
Yes

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6.2.1.1.

Fueling

SpacecraftfuelingisnotprovidedasastandardserviceintheSpaceXpayloadprocessingarea
for the Falcon 9 launch vehicle family. Please contact SpaceX if this nonstandard service is
required.
6.2.1.2. Electrical Power Supply

TheelectricalpowersuppliedinthepayloadprocessingareaisshowninTable62.ThePayload
ProvidershallprovidethenecessarycablestointerfaceGSEtopayloadprocessingroompower.
The Payload Provider shall also define the power requirements for the payload in the launch
vehicleICD.
6.2.1.3. Payload Monitoring and Control Space

TBD
6.2.1.4. Launch Control Center

TheSpaceXLaunchControlCenter(LCC)islocatedatCCAFS.Thisfacility,asillustratedinFigure
63,isequippedwithfiberopticconnectionstothelaunchsiteandaconnectionintoCCAFSs
main data system. This allows easy data transfers between the LCC, the pad, and the range,
alongwithrequiredexternalusersandagencies.TheLCChasaprimarycontrolroom,asupport
room,asmallerauxiliarysupportroom,andaconferenceroom.Theprimaryroomhasfourteen
consoles,thesupportroomhaselevenconsoles,andtheauxiliaryroomhaseight.

SpaceXconsoledesignismodular,expandable,andcompletelymodern.SpaceXusesstandard
computer and display systems with software designed for industrial system control. Consoles
alsoincludefullyfunctionalvoicecommunicationscapabilities,includingvoicenets,voiceover
IPintegrationwithremotesites,andIPphones.Videoviewingandcontrolisprovidedusingthe
video over IP systems. SpaceX launch console systems are currently in use at our Texas Test
FacilityandourKwajaleinlaunchcontrolcenters.

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Choiceof2moreconsoles
intheseareas

Figure63SpaceXLaunchControlCenter(CapeCanaveral)
6.2.1.5. Administrative

Customer administrative offices are currently under construction will be located within
SpaceXsFalconSupportBuildingatSLC40.
6.3. PlansandSchedules
The launch vehicle to payload interfaces, payload environmental conditions, and general
capabilities are described in this guide. SpaceX will supply a single point of contact from
contractawardthroughlaunchyourMissionManager.TheMissionManagerwillassessthe
launchvehiclecapabilitiesandpayloadrequirementsthroughouttheintegrationprocess.This
process is accomplished by teleconferences, integration meetings and mission unique design
reviews (as required). The result of this process is documented in the Launch Vehicle to
SpacecraftICDthemasterdocumentforanySpaceXmission.Followingsignatureapprovalof
theICD,configurationcontrolismaintainedbySpaceX.SpaceXalsocoordinatesallaspectsof

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the launch vehicle production, range and range safety integration, and all mission required
licensing.TheMissionManagerfacilitatestheseinterfacesforthePayloadProvider.

Oncethepayloadarrivesatthelaunchsite,thephysicalaccommodationforthespacecraftis
turned over to the Payload Integration Managerpart of the operations crew. The Mission
Managerwillcontinuetomanagethecustomerinterfaceatthelaunchsite.

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6.3.1. MissionIntegrationPlan
Table63StandardLaunchIntegrationProcess

Launch18monthsormore

Launch6months

Launch4months

Launch3months

Launch46weeks

Launch24weeks
Launch89days
Launch7days

Launch1day

Contract signingandauthoritytoproceed
Estimatedpayloadmass,volume,mission,operationsand
interfacerequirements
Safetyinformation(SafetyProgramPlan;Design
information:battery,ordnance,propellants,and
operations)
MissionanalysissummaryprovidedtotheCustomer
within30daysofcontract
Finalpayloaddesign,including:mass,volume,structural
characteristics,mission,operations,andinterfacerequirements
Payloadtoprovidetestverifiedstructuraldynamicmodel
Payloadreadinessreview forRangeSafety
Launchsiteoperationsplan
Hazardanalyses
Verification
ReviewofPayloadtestdataverifyingcompatibilitywith
Falcon9environments
CoupledpayloadandFalcon9loadsanalysiscompleted
Confirmpayloadinterfacesasbuiltarecompatiblewith
Falcon9
Missionsafetyapproval
SystemReadinessReview(SRR)
Preshipmentreview(perstage;priortoshipmenttothe
launchsite)haveoccurredorareabouttooccur
Verifylaunchsite,Range,Regulatoryagencies,launch
vehicle,payload,peopleandpaperareallinplaceand
readytobeginlaunchcampaign
Payloadarrivalatlaunchlocation
PayloadencapsulationandmatetoLaunchVehicle
FlightReadinessReview(FRR)
ReviewofLVandpayloadcheckoutsinHangar.Confirmationof
readinesstoproceedwithVehiclerollout
LaunchReadinessReview(LRR)
Launch

Launch+4hours(depends
PostLaunchReports Quicklook
uponlengthofFalcon9flight)

Launch+4weeks
PostLaunchReport FinalReport

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6.3.2. LaunchVehicleSchedules
Falcon 9 missions and associated operations have been designed for minimal complexity and
minimal time at the pad. The payload will be integrated horizontally to the launcher
approximately7dayspriortolaunch.Onceintegrated,thevehicleismovedtothepadandis
erectedusingtheFalcon9LaunchVehicleerector.Finalsystemcloseout,fuelingandtestingis
thencompleted.Twentyfourhourspriortolaunch,theLaunchReadinessReview(LRR)isheld.
Oncethelaunchapprovalisgiven,the24hourcountdownbegins.

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7. Safety
7.1. SafetyRequirements

Falcon 9 customers are required to meet AFSPCMAN 91710 Range User's Manual
requirements in the design and operation of their flight and ground systems. These
requirements encompass mechanical design, electrical design, fluid and pressurant systems,
liftingandhandlingsystems,ordnanceandRFsystems,groundsupportequipment,andother
design and operational features. SpaceX can assist the customer in determining which
requirements pertain to the customers systems, and can also assist in completing required
documentation.
7.2. HazardousSystemsandOperations
Most ranges consider hazardous systems or operations to include ordnance operations,
pressurizedsystemsthatoperatebelowa4to1safetyfactor,liftingoperations,operationsor
systems that include toxic or hazardous materials, high power RF systems, laser systems, as
well as a variety of other systems and operations. The details of the system design and its
operation will determine whether the system or its operation are considered hazardous.
Typically, additional precautions are required for operating systems that are considered
hazardous, these will be determined during the safety approval process with SpaceX and the
launch range. All hazardous operations will require procedures that are approved by both
SpaceX and the launch range prior to execution. Ordnance operations, in particular, require
coordination to provide reduced RF environments, cleared areas, safety support, and other
requirements.
7.3. Waivers
For systems or operations that do not meet safety requirements but are believed to be
acceptableforgroundoperationsandlaunch,awaiveristypicallyproducedforapprovalbythe
launch range safety authority. Waivers are a last resort solution and require considerable
coordination. They should not be considered a standard practice. SpaceX will assist the
customer in determining whether an issue should be elevated to require a waiver as the
integrationprocessevolves.

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8. PayloadQuestionnaire
Completion of the following Payload Questionnaire is necessary for use in evaluating the
compatibility of any new payload with Falcon 9 launch vehicles. If you are considering using
Falcon 9 launch vehicles, please complete as much of the questionnaire provided below and
returnitto:
SpaceX
ATTN:LaurenDreyer
1RocketRd.
Hawthorne,CA90250

lauren.dreyer@spacex.com

Note: SpaceX will treat all customer supplied data as proprietary information and will not
disclose or retransmit any part of the information contained herein to any outside entity
withouttheexpressedwrittenconsentofyourorganization.

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PayloadInformation

PayloadName/Title/Acronym

PayloadContractororSponsor

PointsofContactandContactInformation

PayloadMissionInformation

DesiredLaunchDate/Timeframe

MissionTimelineDescription

LaunchWindowConstraints

Item

CenterofGravity
(mm)

MomentofInertia
(kg.mm2)

ProductofInertia
(kg.mm2)

StowedConfiguration

Tolerance

IXX

IYY

IZZ

IXY

IYZ

IXZ

PayloadTrajectoryRequirements
Parameter
DesiredOrbitApogee

SIUnits

Value

km

km

km

Accuracy

km

DesiredOrbitInclination

deg

Accuracy

deg

deg

deg

deg

deg

Accuracy
DesiredOrbitPerigee

DesiredRightAscensionofAscendingNode
Accuracy
DesiredArgumentofPerigee
Accuracy

PayloadOrbitalInjectionConditions

SIUnits

MaximumAllowableTipOffRate

deg/sec

DesiredSpinUpRate

rpm

deg

PointingRequirement(PleaseSpecify)
MaximumAllowablePointingError

PayloadMassProperties

SIUnits

SpacecraftMass(Maximum)

SpacecraftCoordinateSystem

kg

PayloadMechanicalInterface

SIUnits

SpacecraftHeight(Maximum)

mm

SpacecraftDiameter(Maximum)

mm

mm

FairingAccessDoorLocationPreference
MechanicalAttachmentBoltCircleDiameter


DoyouhaveaSpacecraftSeparationSystem?Ifso,providedetailshere:
Note:SpaceXcandesign/providetheSpacecraftSeparationSystemifdesired.

PayloadThermalEnvironment

SIUnits

PrelaunchTemperatureRange

PrelaunchAllowableWaterVaporinAir

grains/lb
dry air

MaximumPrelaunchGasImpingementVelocity

m/sec

MaximumAscentHeatFlux

W/m2

MaximumFreeMolecularHeatFlux

W/m2

MaximumFairingAscentDepressurizationRate

mbar/sec

PayloadContaminationControl

SIUnits

DesiredPayloadProcessingCapabilities

Class

DesiredFairingAirCleanliness

Class

PayloadDynamicEnvironment

SIUnits

MaximumAllowableAcousticSoundPressureLevel

dB
OASPL

MaximumAllowableSineVibration

Grms

MaximumAllowableShock

MaximumLateralAcceleration

MaximumAxialAcceleration

FundamentalFrequencyLateral

Hz

FundamentalFrequencyLongitudinal

Hz

AdditionalData:
1. Pleaseprovideadescriptionofthepayloadtestingplannedduringpayloadprocessingat
thelaunchsite,aswellasanytestingplannedwhileencapsulated.Pleasedescribeeach
testintermsofpersonnelrequired,durationoftest,tools/GSErequired,andanypossible
safetyconcernsthatshouldbeconsidered.

2. Pleasedescribeanysafetyissuesassociatedwiththespacecraft.

3. Pleasedescribethepropulsionsystemstobeusedonthespacecraft.

4. Pleasedescribethepressurevesselstobeusedonthespacecraft.

5. Pleasedescribethepowersystems(batteries,solarcells,etc).

6. PleasedescribetheRFsystemstobeusedonthespacecraft.PleasedetaileachRF
transmitterorreceiver,itsfunction,frequency,sensitivity,poweroutput,andbandwidth.

7. Pleaseprovidethespacecraftallowableortestacousticprofile,randomvibration
spectrum,shockspectrum,andsinevibrationcurve.

8. PleaseprovideDimensionalDrawingsand/orCADmodelsofthespacecraftifavailable.
Thesedrawings/modelsshouldincludethespacecraftseparationsystem.Ratherthan
attachingtothisPDF,ifyouprefertosendtheseviaemail,pleasesubmitto
Lauren@spacex.com.

9. Pleasedescribeanysecurityconcernsorrequirementsyouhave.

10. Pleasedescribeanyadditionalspacecraftrequirementsthatweshouldbemadeawareof.

Falcon9UsersGuide

9. QuickReference
9.1. ListofFigures
Figure21Falcon9launchvehiclelayoutandcoordinatesystem.............................................11
Figure31Hawthorne,CaliforniaHeadquarters.........................................................................12
Figure32LaunchComplex40atCapeCanaveralAirForceStation(CCAFS),
Florida......................................................................................................................12
Figure33SpaceLaunchComplex40InstrumentationBaylocation.........................................13
Figure34SpaceLaunchComplex40Hangarlayout................................................................14
Figure35SLC4East,VAFB.......................................................................................................15
Figure36Falcon1launchsite,KwajaleinAtoll.........................................................................16
Figure37SpaceXsTexasTestFacility.......................................................................................17
Figure41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral)........................19
Figure42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit.................................................20
Figure43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit...........................................21
Figure44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)..........................22
Figure45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit...........................23
Figure46Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit
(Kwajalein)...............................................................................................................24
Figure47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocityToGo)fromCape..........................25
Figure48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocityToGo)fromKwaj..........................26
Figure 49 Falcon 9 Sample Flight Profile, Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
Mission....................................................................................................................27
Figure51Falcon9standardfairinganddynamicenvelope*,meters[inches]........................30
Figure52Falcon9DesignLoadFactors....................................................................................33
Figure53Falcon9shockresponseatpayloadinterface..........................................................34
Figure54Falcon9acousticenvironmentrequirement(OASPL=139.6dB)..............................35
Figure55Falcon9WorstCaseRadiatedEnvironment............................................................38
Figure 56 Allowable Payload Radiated Emissions for Falcon 9 RF
Susceptibility...........................................................................................................39
Figure57MaximumPayloadFairingTemperatureSeenByPayload.......................................40
Figure58Falcon9PayloadInterfaceRing(Note:unitsareininches).......................................42
Figure59SpacecrafttoLaunchVehicle/LaunchPadElectricalArchitecture...........................45
Figure510SpacecraftumbilicaltoFalcon9secondstageconnection.....................................45
Figure511SLC40PayloadProcessingCleanAreainHangar..................................................46
Figure512Falcon9PayloadEncapsulation..............................................................................48
Figure513EncapsulatedPayloadMatetoFalcon92ndStage.................................................48
Figure514NominalLaunchOperationsFlow...........................................................................49
Figure61Falcon9ontheerector..............................................................................................53
Figure62LaunchControlOrganization.....................................................................................54
Figure63SpaceXLaunchControlCenter(CapeCanaveral)......................................................57

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9.2. ListofTables
Table21Falcon9LaunchVehicle(Block2)DimensionsandCharacteristics...........................10
Table41Falcon9Block2PerformancetoLowEarthOrbit(CapeCanaveral).........................19
Table42Falcon9Block2PerformanceCircularPolarOrbit....................................................20
Table43Falcon9Block2PerformanceSunSynchronousOrbit............................................21
Table44Falcon9Block2PerformanceEscapeVelocity(CapeCanaveral)............................22
Table45Falcon9Block2PerformancetoGeosynchronousTransferOrbit............................23
Table 46 Falcon 9 Block 2 Performance to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
(Kwajalein)...............................................................................................................24
Table47GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocityToGo)fromCape...........................25
Table48GeosynchronousTransferOrbit(DeltaVelocityToGo)fromKwaj...........................26
Table 49 Falcon 9 Sample Flight Timeline, Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
Mission....................................................................................................................28
Table51Falcon9acousticenvironment...................................................................................35
Table52Falcon9LaunchvehicleRFsystemcharacteristics....................................................37
Table61LaunchControlOrganization......................................................................................54
Table62Servicesandequipmentforsatelliteprocessing........................................................55
Table63StandardLaunchIntegrationProcess........................................................................59

9.3. ListofAcronyms
AWG...............................................................................................................AmericanWireGauge
CAM..................................................................................................CollisionAvoidanceManeuver
CCAFS..........................................................................................CapeCanaveralAirForceStation
CLA...............................................................................................................CoupledLoadsAnalysis
CVCM......................................................................CollectedVolatileCondensableMass/Material
DRM............................................................................................................DataRecoveryMatrices
FAA.................................................................................................FederalAviationAdministration
FRR..............................................................................................................FlightReadinessReview
GN2........................................................................................................................GaseousNitrogen
GPS..........................................................................................................GlobalPositioningSystem
GSE........................................................................................................GroundSupportEquipment
ICD........................................................................................................InterfaceControlDocument
IPS.......................................................................................................................InchPoundSecond
LRR...........................................................................................................LaunchReadinessReview
LV...............................................................................................................................LaunchVehicle
MPE...........................................................................................MaximumPredictedEnvironments
MaxQ..................................................................................................MaximumDynamicPressure
OASPL.................................................................................................OverallSoundPressureLevel
PPF..........................................................................................................PayloadProcessingFacility
QD.........................................................................................................................QuickDisconnect
RF............................................................................................................................RadioFrequency
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Falcon9UsersGuide
RPM.................................................................................................................RotationsperMinute
RTS.............................................................................................................................ReaganTestSit
SC......................................................................................................................................Spacecraft
SI.........................................................................................................InternationalSystemofUnits
SLC................................................................................................................SpaceLaunchComplex
SpaceX............................................................................................SpaceExplorationTechnologies
SPL..................................................................................................................SoundPressureLevel
SRR...........................................................................................................SystemReadinessReview
VC..................................................................................................................................VisiblyClean
TML..........................................................................................................................TotalMassLoss
TTL..........................................................................................................TransistorTransistorLogic
US.................................................................................................................................UnitedStates

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