Falcon 9 vs Delta V
Space exploration has come a long way, with the aerospace industry making great strides in developing rocket technology, making space travel safer and more accessible. Two of the most famous rockets include Falcon 9 by SpaceX and Delta V by United Launch Alliance. In this article, we compare Falcon 9 vs. Delta V, taking a look at their features, capabilities, and performance.
History
Falcon 9 was developed by SpaceX, a privately-founded American company started by Elon Musk, with the aim of building rockets for commercial purposes. Delta V, on the other hand, was developed by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Payload Capacity
One of the most significant differences between Falcon 9 and Delta V is their payload capacity. Falcon 9 has a payload capacity of 22,800 kg, while Delta V can carry 15,000 - 29,000 kg of payload depending on the version.
Thrust
Falcon 9 is equipped with nine Merlin engines that produce 7607 kN of thrust, while Delta V has RS-68A engines that produce 4224 kN of thrust.
Reusability
Both rockets are designed to be reusable, but the reusability of the Falcon 9 is far more advanced. Falcon 9's reusable booster stage can return to the launchpad or to drone ships out in the ocean, enabling SpaceX to reduce the costs of space travel significantly. Delta V, on the other hand, isn't as advanced in terms of reusability.
Cost
Cost is a significant factor when it comes to space exploration, and Falcon 9 has an edge in terms of affordability. Falcon 9's cost per launch is around $62 million, while Delta V's cost per launch can be as high as $470 million, depending on the version.
Conclusion
Both Falcon 9 and Delta V are impressive rockets designed to bring mankind closer to space. While Delta V has a higher maximum payload capacity and provides a significant amount of thrust, Falcon 9's reusability, lower launch cost, and advanced technology make it the clear winner in terms of affordability, efficiency, and ease of use.
References:
- SpaceX Falcon 9: https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/
- United Launch Alliance Delta V: https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/delta-iv-heavy