Falcon 9 v1.1 and v1.2 performances and first stage descent/return trajectories analyses

Abstract

This report summarizes the work performed to update the analyses of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy in 2014 and early 2015. New computations of missions with Falcon 9 v1.1 have been performed. In particular, the planned mission of Jason 3 for which the first stage is expected not only to land on a barge but also to return parallel to the shore close to the launch site has been simulated. The new version of Falcon 9: Falcon 9 v1.2 (or Falcon 1.1 full thrust) has also been modelled to assess its performances, including missions with return to landing site (RTLS). Finally, the Falcon Heavy model has been updated to take into account the modifications introduced by Falcon 9 v1.2. For each mission simulation, a mass breakdown along with the parameters of ascent and descent trajectories studied is specified. The performance of the Falcon 9 v1.2 is assessed for CRS and GTO mission including landing on a barge and RTLS (Return to Launch Site) from Cape Canaveral and Boca Chica. For some missions, such as the CRS missions, several models with variation of the size of the launcher or the characteristics of the engine are studied to assess their influence on the Falcon 9 performances, and thus the impact of the uncertainties on the accuracy of the models. Finally the GTO+ SES-8 mission has been simulated to assess the performance of the Falcon 9 v1.2 without descent propellant in this particular orbit, to assess in which area Falcon 9 could compete with Ariane 5 for the GEO market.