The consists of high-performance liquid rocket engines developed by SpaceX to power their Falcon 1 , Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets. Operating on a gas-generator open-cycle using RP-1 (rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX), they are renowned for their world-leading thrust-to-weight ratio and design for reusability. Key Variants and History
: The first to feature a regeneratively cooled nozzle and combustion chamber. It powered the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit (Falcon 1 Flight 4) and early Falcon 9 flights.
: Based on the Apollo Lunar Module landing engine, this provides excellent stability and allows for deep throttling.
: The initial version used an expendable ablatively cooled carbon-fiber nozzle. It flew only twice on the Falcon 1 (2006–2007).
: An upgraded variant of the 1A with a more powerful turbine; it was never used on a flight vehicle before SpaceX shifted to regenerative cooling.
: Drives both the LOX and RP-1 impellers. It also provides high-pressure fuel for hydraulic actuators , eliminating separate hydraulic systems.
Merlin 1г—1 — Direct Link
The consists of high-performance liquid rocket engines developed by SpaceX to power their Falcon 1 , Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets. Operating on a gas-generator open-cycle using RP-1 (rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX), they are renowned for their world-leading thrust-to-weight ratio and design for reusability. Key Variants and History
: The first to feature a regeneratively cooled nozzle and combustion chamber. It powered the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit (Falcon 1 Flight 4) and early Falcon 9 flights. Merlin 1Г—1
: Based on the Apollo Lunar Module landing engine, this provides excellent stability and allows for deep throttling. It powered the first privately developed rocket to
: The initial version used an expendable ablatively cooled carbon-fiber nozzle. It flew only twice on the Falcon 1 (2006–2007). It flew only twice on the Falcon 1 (2006–2007)
: An upgraded variant of the 1A with a more powerful turbine; it was never used on a flight vehicle before SpaceX shifted to regenerative cooling.
: Drives both the LOX and RP-1 impellers. It also provides high-pressure fuel for hydraulic actuators , eliminating separate hydraulic systems.