Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Payload User's Guide - SpaceX

Falcon 9 User’s Guide
4.3. Mass Properties
Falcon 9 can accommodate typical payloads with mass from 3000 ‐ 15000 lbs (1360 ‐ 6800 kg).
For these payloads, the maximum allowable center of gravity lateral offset is less than 5 inches
(12.7 cm) for non‐spin stabilized missions and 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) for spin‐stabilized missions.
The maximum center of gravity offset from the mechanical interface on top of the second stage
payload adapter is 120 inches (305 cm).
4.4. Separation Accuracy
Prior to separation, Falcon 9 can point the upper stage/payload to any desired attitude and
minimize all rotation rates. Attitude errors will be no greater than 1.4 degrees about each axis.
Attitude rotation rates will be less than 0.2 degree/sec in pitch and yaw, and 0.25 degree/sec in
roll. For spin stabilized missions, prior to separation, Falcon 9 points the upper stage/payload
to the desired attitude and provides a spin about the longitudinal axis. The spin axis orientation
will be accurate to within 1.75 degrees, assuming a maximum 0.5 inches payload center of
gravity offset as mentioned in Section 4.3.
4.5. Mission Accuracy Data
As a liquid propellant vehicle with restart capability, Falcon 9 provides the flexibility required
for payload insertion into orbit with higher eccentricity and for deploying multiple payloads into
slightly different orbits. Until verified by actual operations, SpaceX expects to achieve the
following minimum target orbital insertion accuracy:
Low Earth Orbit
• Perigee ±10 km
• Apogee ±10 km
• Inclination ±0.1 deg
• Right Ascension of Ascending Node ±0.15 deg
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
• Perigee ±7.4 km
• Apogee ±130 km
• Inclination ±0.1 deg
• Right Ascension of Ascending Node ±0.75 deg
• Argument of Perigee ±0.3 deg
SCM 2008‐010 Rev. 1 Copyright ‐‐ SpaceX 2009 29