Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 8
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust, designated as Falcon 9 v1.2, is primarily engineered for missions extending beyond Earth's orbit.
Answer: False
This statement is factually inaccurate. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust, also known as Falcon 9 v1.2, is fundamentally designed as a two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle, with its primary function being the delivery of payloads into Earth orbit, not exclusively missions beyond Earth orbit.
What is the primary purpose of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch vehicle?
Answer: To transport payloads into Earth orbit.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust is primarily designed and utilized as a two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle, with its principal function being the conveyance of payloads into Earth orbit.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust was developed with a principal objective of enabling booster reusability for missions, including those to geostationary orbit.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. A principal objective guiding the development of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust was the enhancement of booster reusability, thereby facilitating a wider range of missions, including those destined for geostationary orbit.
The Falcon 9 Block 4 variant represented a complete redesign of the rocket's core structure.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The Falcon 9 Block 4 variant represented incremental improvements and upgrades rather than a complete redesign of the rocket's core structure.
The Falcon 9 Block 5 variant focused on streamlining booster recovery and reusability, alongside increased engine thrust.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The Falcon 9 Block 5 variant introduced significant enhancements focused on streamlining booster recovery and reusability, in addition to increasing engine thrust.
SpaceX initially reserved extra performance in the Falcon 9 v1.1 specifications primarily to increase payload capacity for commercial customers.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The extra performance reserved in the Falcon 9 v1.1 specifications was primarily intended for testing and enabling future reusability capabilities, while still ensuring that customer payload requirements were met for expendable missions.
The upgraded Falcon 9 v1.1 was referred to by various names, including Falcon 9 v1.2 and Enhanced Falcon 9, before being widely known as 'Full Thrust'.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Prior to widespread adoption of the 'Full Thrust' moniker, the upgraded Falcon 9 v1.1 was known by various designations, including Falcon 9 v1.2 and Enhanced Falcon 9.
Gwynne Shotwell stated in March 2015 that the new Falcon 9 design would offer approximately a 30 percent performance increase.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Gwynne Shotwell indicated in March 2015 that the new Falcon 9 design was projected to deliver approximately a 30 percent increase in performance, with the potential for even greater gains.
Block 5 second stages can be equipped with a mission extension kit for longer missions or more engine restarts.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Block 5 second stages can be fitted with a mission extension kit to accommodate longer mission durations or an increased number of engine restarts, thereby enhancing mission flexibility.
The Falcon 9 Block 5 variant introduced improvements primarily focused on:
Answer: Streamlining booster recovery and reusability.
The Falcon 9 Block 5 variant introduced improvements primarily focused on streamlining the recovery and reusability of first-stage boosters, alongside enhancements such as higher engine thrust and improved landing legs.
Before being commonly known as 'Full Thrust', the upgraded Falcon 9 v1.1 was referred to by which public name?
Answer: Falcon 9 v1.2
Prior to its widespread recognition as 'Full Thrust,' the upgraded Falcon 9 v1.1 was publicly referred to by names such as Falcon 9 v1.2 and Enhanced Falcon 9.
What was the primary reason SpaceX reserved extra performance in the Falcon 9 v1.1 specifications starting in March 2014?
Answer: To enable testing and eventual implementation of reusability.
The primary reason SpaceX reserved extra performance in the Falcon 9 v1.1 specifications was to facilitate testing and the eventual implementation of reusability, while still ensuring that customer payload requirements were met for expendable missions.
Key modifications for the Falcon 9 Full Thrust included increasing the density and thrust of propellants by heating them.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust achieved increased propellant density and thrust not by heating, but by *subcooling* the propellants. Subcooling liquid oxygen and RP-1 allowed for greater storage volume and increased flow rates, thereby boosting engine thrust.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust utilizes liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as its primary propellants.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust utilizes liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and RP-1 (a refined kerosene) as the fuel for both its first and second stage engines.
The first stage of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust is powered by a single, high-thrust engine.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The first stage of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust is powered by a cluster of nine Merlin 1D engines, not a single engine.
The Merlin 1D Vacuum engine, used in the second stage, has a specific impulse of 348 seconds.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The Merlin 1D Vacuum engine, employed in the second stage, achieves a specific impulse of 348 seconds in a vacuum environment.
The total thrust generated by the first stage engines at sea level is approximately 1.7 million pounds-force (lbf).
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The nine Merlin 1D engines on the first stage generate a total thrust of approximately 7,607 kN (1,710,000 lbf) at sea level.
The second stage engine of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust produces significantly more thrust than the combined thrust of the first stage engines.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The first stage, powered by nine Merlin 1D engines, produces approximately 7,607 kN (1,710,000 lbf) of thrust at sea level. In contrast, the single Merlin 1D Vacuum engine on the second stage produces approximately 934 kN (210,000 lbf) of thrust, which is significantly less than the first stage's combined output.
The first stage engines of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust have a burn time of approximately 162 seconds during ascent.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. During the ascent phase of a mission, the first stage engines of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust operate for a duration of approximately 162 seconds.
The second stage engine's burn time is shorter than the first stage's burn time during ascent.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The first stage engines have a burn time of approximately 162 seconds during ascent, while the second stage engine operates for a longer duration of 397 seconds.
What key modification involved subcooling propellants in the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: It increased engine thrust by allowing more fuel/oxidizer storage and flow.
Subcooling the propellants, specifically liquid oxygen to -206.7°C and RP-1 to -6.6°C, enhanced their density. This allowed for greater propellant storage within the tanks and consequently increased propellant flow rates through the turbopumps, resulting in a higher engine thrust output.
What are the main propellants used by the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 (Kerosene)
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust utilizes liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and RP-1, a highly refined kerosene, as the fuel for both its first and second stage engines.
How many Merlin 1D engines power the first stage of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: Nine
The first stage of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust is powered by a cluster of nine Merlin 1D engines.
What is the approximate total thrust generated by the first stage engines at sea level?
Answer: 1,710,000 lbf
At sea level, the nine Merlin 1D engines comprising the first stage generate an aggregate thrust of approximately 7,607 kN (1,710,000 lbf).
What is the burn time for the second stage engine during a typical mission?
Answer: 397 seconds
The second stage engine of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a burn time of 397 seconds.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a total height of approximately 70 meters, including its payload fairing.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch vehicle has a total height of approximately 70 meters (230 feet), inclusive of its payload fairing.
Both the first and second stages of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust share the same diameter of 5.2 meters.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. While the payload fairing has a diameter of 5.2 meters (17 feet), both the first and second stages of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust are constructed with a diameter of 3.7 meters (12 feet).
The total fueled gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust is over 1.2 million pounds.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The total fueled gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch vehicle is approximately 549,000 kg, which equates to over 1.2 million pounds.
The payload capacity of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is higher when the rocket is configured for reusability.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a greater payload capacity to LEO when expended (22,800 kg) than when configured for reusability (18,500 kg). The additional mass required for recovery systems and fuel reserves for landing reduces the payload capacity in reusable configurations.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a lower payload capacity to Geostynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) when expended compared to when reusable.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a higher payload capacity to GTO when expended (8,300 kg) compared to when it is reusable (7,000 kg). Reusability inherently reduces payload capacity due to the mass of recovery systems and fuel reserves.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust can carry approximately 4,020 kg to a Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) trajectory.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust is capable of delivering a payload mass of approximately 4,020 kg (8,860 lb) to a Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) trajectory.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage has an empty mass of approximately 22,200 kg.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The empty mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage is approximately 22,200 kg (48,900 lb).
The payload fairing of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a gross mass significantly larger than its second stage.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The second stage has a gross mass of approximately 111,500 kg (245,800 lb). The payload fairing, while having an empty mass of 1,700 kg (3,700 lb), is considerably lighter than the second stage.
What material is specifically mentioned for the LOX tank of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: Aluminum-Lithium Alloy 2195-T8
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust utilizes an aluminum-lithium alloy for its structural components, including the LOX tank. The specific alloy mentioned is 2195-T8.
What is the diameter of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first and second stages?
Answer: 3.7 meters (12 feet)
Both the first and second stages of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust have a diameter of 3.7 meters (12 feet).
What was the approximate total fueled gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: 549,000 kg
The total fueled gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch vehicle is approximately 549,000 kg (1,210,000 lb).
What is the payload capacity of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) when configured for reusable operation?
Answer: 18,500 kg (40,800 lb)
When configured for reusability, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a payload capacity of 18,500 kg (40,800 lb) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
What is the payload capacity of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust to Geostynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) when expended?
Answer: 8,300 kg (18,300 lb)
When operating in an expended configuration, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust has a payload capacity of 8,300 kg (18,300 lb) to Geostynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
What is the empty mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's second stage?
Answer: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
The empty mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's second stage is 4,000 kg (8,800 lb).
What is the gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage?
Answer: 433,100 kg (954,800 lb)
The gross mass of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage is 433,100 kg (954,800 lb).
The reusable configuration of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust significantly increases its launch cost compared to the expended version.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The reusable configuration of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust demonstrably reduces launch costs compared to the expended version, primarily due to the recovery and reuse of the first-stage booster.
SpaceX's reusability goal for a Block 5 booster is to fly it up to 100 times with minimal refurbishment between flights.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. SpaceX's reusability goal for a Block 5 booster is to achieve ten flights with minimal refurbishment between flights, and up to 100 flights with more extensive refurbishment.
Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) is located at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Answer: False
This statement is false. Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) is located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, not Vandenberg Air Force Base. LZ-4 is located at Vandenberg.
Autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS) are used to recover first-stage boosters on missions that require high-velocity trajectories, making return to the launch site impossible.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS) are utilized to recover first-stage boosters on high-velocity missions that cannot return to the launch site, by providing stable landing platforms stationed hundreds of kilometers downrange.
SpaceX operates three autonomous drone ships: 'Just Read the Instructions (V2)', 'Of Course I Still Love You', and 'Dragonfly'.
Answer: False
This statement is inaccurate. SpaceX operates three primary autonomous drone ships: 'Just Read the Instructions (V2)', 'Of Course I Still Love You', and 'A Shortfall of Gravitas'. 'Dragonfly' is not listed as one of the operational drone ships.
How does the reusability of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust affect its launch cost?
Answer: It reduces the launch cost compared to the expended version.
The implementation of reusability in the Falcon 9 Full Thrust configuration results in a reduced launch cost. Specifically, the reusable version is estimated at $50 million per launch, contrasting with the $62 million cost for an expended configuration, thereby demonstrating a significant economic benefit.
What is the target number of flights for a Block 5 booster between required refurbishments, according to SpaceX's aim?
Answer: 10 flights
SpaceX's objective for each Block 5 booster is to achieve ten flights with minimal refurbishment between flights, and potentially up to 100 flights with more extensive refurbishment.
What is the designated purpose of the autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS)?
Answer: To recover first-stage boosters on high-velocity missions downrange.
Autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS) are utilized to recover first-stage boosters on high-velocity missions that cannot return to the launch site, by providing stable landing platforms stationed hundreds of kilometers downrange.
Which of the following is NOT one of SpaceX's three operational drone ships mentioned in the source?
Answer: Full Thrust Ahead
The drone ship 'Full Thrust Ahead' is not listed among SpaceX's three operational drone ships ('Just Read the Instructions (V2)', 'Of Course I Still Love You', and 'A Shortfall of Gravitas').
As of October 16, 2025, how many landing attempts have been made for Falcon 9 first stages, and how many were successful?
Answer: 511 attempts, 503 successful
As of October 16, 2025, there have been 511 landing attempts for Falcon 9 first stages. Of these, 503 attempts have been successful.
The Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage can still complete a mission if two of its nine engines fail during ascent.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The Falcon 9 Full Thrust's first stage is designed with engine-out capability, typically allowing mission completion if one engine fails. However, the failure of two engines would likely compromise mission success.
The grid fins on the Falcon 9 Full Thrust are used to provide thrust during the booster's descent.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The grid fins are designed for aerodynamic control, providing attitude control and guidance during the booster's descent and re-entry, rather than generating thrust.
In June 2017, the aluminum grid fins were replaced with titanium versions to enhance control and heat resistance during re-entry.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. In June 2017, the grid fins were upgraded from aluminum to titanium to improve control authority and enhance their resilience against the thermal stresses encountered during atmospheric re-entry.
The Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) relies on ground-based command signals for flight termination.
Answer: False
This statement is false. The AFSS is an autonomous system designed by SpaceX to replace traditional ground-based flight termination systems, utilizing on-board logic rather than external command signals.
What is the function of the grid fins during the Falcon 9 booster's descent?
Answer: To provide attitude control and guidance.
The grid fins on the Falcon 9 Full Thrust serve a critical role in aerodynamic control. They provide attitude control and guidance during the booster's descent and re-entry phases, facilitating its trajectory back towards a landing zone.
Why were the grid fins replaced with titanium versions in June 2017?
Answer: To improve control authority and withstand re-entry heat.
In June 2017, the grid fins were upgraded from aluminum to titanium. This material change was implemented to enhance control authority and improve their resilience against the thermal stresses encountered during atmospheric re-entry.
What system replaced traditional ground-based flight termination systems on the Falcon 9?
Answer: The Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS)
The Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) is an advanced, on-board system developed by SpaceX that replaced traditional ground-based flight termination systems.
The first launch of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust occurred on December 22, 2015, and included the first successful vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The inaugural launch of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust on December 22, 2015, marked a significant milestone by achieving the first successful vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage.
The AFSS was first implemented on an operational orbital launch during the CRS-10 mission in February 2017.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The CRS-10 mission, conducted in February 2017, marked the first operational orbital launch to utilize the Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS).
The US Air Force certified the upgraded Falcon 9 for military launches in January 2016 based on its demonstrated reliability.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The US Air Force certified the upgraded Falcon 9 in January 2016, acknowledging its demonstrated capabilities in system development, production, qualification, and delivery, alongside its mission assurance protocols for national security payloads.
Acceptance testing for the upgraded Falcon 9 first stage, including static fire tests, began in September 2015.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Acceptance testing for the upgraded Falcon 9 first stage, including critical static fire tests, began in September 2015 at SpaceX's McGregor facility.
The SES-9 satellite was launched on the maiden flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust.
Answer: False
This statement is false. While SES-9 was initially slated for the maiden flight, the Orbcomm OG2 constellation was launched on the first mission. SES-9 was subsequently launched on a later flight.
The maiden flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust successfully deployed its payload and achieved the first vertical landing of a first stage.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The maiden flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust on December 22, 2015, successfully deployed its payload and achieved the historic first vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage.
The AMOS-6 satellite was successfully launched by a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket on September 1, 2016.
Answer: False
This statement is false. On September 1, 2016, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket carrying the AMOS-6 satellite experienced an explosion on the launchpad during a static fire test, resulting in the destruction of both the rocket and its payload.
As of October 16, 2025, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust variants have achieved a success rate of approximately 99.8%.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. According to the provided data, as of October 16, 2025, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust variants have maintained a success rate of approximately 99.8%.
Following the 2016 accident, East Coast launches were moved from LC-40 to the newly constructed LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. Following the accident at Launch Complex 40 in 2016, East Coast launches were moved to the refurbished Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
As of October 16, 2025, the Falcon 9 family has experienced a total of two launch failures.
Answer: False
This statement is false. As of October 16, 2025, the Falcon 9 family has experienced one launch failure (Starlink Group 9-3). The AMOS-6 incident was a pre-flight destruction, and another mission experienced a lower-than-intended orbit, but these are distinct from launch failures.
Which significant milestone was achieved during the first launch of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust on December 22, 2015?
Answer: The first vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage.
The inaugural launch of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust on December 22, 2015, achieved the historic milestone of the first successful vertical landing of an orbital rocket's first stage.
Which mission marked the first operational orbital launch utilizing the AFSS?
Answer: CRS-10
The CRS-10 mission, conducted in February 2017, marked the first operational orbital launch to utilize the Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS).
Which satellite was initially designated for the inaugural flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust but was ultimately not part of that mission?
Answer: SES-9
The SES-9 satellite was initially planned for the maiden flight of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust. However, SpaceX ultimately launched the Orbcomm OG2 constellation on the first mission, with SES-9 flying on a subsequent mission.
Following the 2016 incident at Launch Complex 40, which launch complex was subsequently utilized for East Coast Falcon 9 operations?
Answer: Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A)
After the 2016 accident at Launch Complex 40, East Coast Falcon 9 launches were relocated to the refurbished Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
The Ariane 5 and Atlas V are listed as comparable launch vehicles to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The Ariane 5 and Atlas V are listed among the launch vehicles considered comparable in capability to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust.
The stated cost per launch for an expended Falcon 9 Full Thrust is US$50 million.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. The stated cost per launch for an expended Falcon 9 Full Thrust is US$62 million, while the reusable configuration is stated at US$50 million.
Which of the following is listed as a comparable launch vehicle to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: H-IIB
The H-IIB launch vehicle is listed among those considered comparable in capability to the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, alongside Ariane 5, Atlas V, Long March 3B/E, and Proton-M.
What is the stated cost per launch for a reusable Falcon 9 Full Thrust?
Answer: $50 million
The stated cost per launch for a reusable Falcon 9 Full Thrust is US$50 million.