Merlin (rocket engine)
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Image:SpaceX Merlin engine.gif The Merlin engine is a RP-1/liquid oxygen gas-generator rocket engine. The Merlin engine was developed for use on the Falcon 1, Falcon 5 and Falcon 9 rockets by SpaceX and is designed for sea recovery and reuse.
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Engine details
The nozzle is an inexpensive, expendable ablatively cooled carbon fiber composite.
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Performance
Current published ratings:
- Sea level thrust: 77,000 lbf (342 kN)
- Vacuum thrust: 92,000 lbf (409 kN)
- Chamber pressure: 6.14 MPa (890 psi)
- Sea level Isp: 255 s (2.6 kN·s/kg)
- Vacuum Isp: 304 s (3.0 kN·s/kg)
- Thrust-to-weight ratio (fully accounted): 96
Engine revision 1B has been enhanced over the 1A with a turbine upgrade (from 1490 kW to 1860 kW)
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Operations
- Fuel: RP-1 rocket grade kerosene
- Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen
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See also
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References
- SpaceX Falcon engines page
- Race for Next Space Prize Ignites: Wired article describing successful test firing