The Falcon 9 rocket is now rated for 22,800 kg (50,265 lb) into low earth orbit versus old data at 13,150 kg (28,990 lb). The Falcon Heavy has also been given an increased payload for missions to low-earth orbit, jumping by 1,300 kg (3,085 lb) to 54,400 kg (119,930 lb).
The Falcon Heavy shows an increased payload for missions to low-earth orbit. Payload rating is increased by 1,300 kg (3,085 lb) to 54,400 kg (119,930 lb).
The increased payload capacities came about because the Merlin engines are proving tougher than first expected in testing, allowing the team to increase launch thrust
@lukealization No physical changes to the engine. This thrust increase is based on delta qual tests. It is just tougher than we thought.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 30, 2016
Falcon Heavy thrust will be 5.1M lbf at liftoff — twice any rocket currently flying. It’s a beast…— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2016
F9 thrust at liftoff will be raised to 1.71M lbf later this year. It is capable of 1.9M lbf in flight.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2016
Just posted latest max payload capabilities of Falcon 9 and Heavy https://t.co/Z45Y5V7G91— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 30, 2016
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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