Hello All,

Reading up in detail on the various SpaceX Falcon 9 versions in the midst of the excitement following the successful launch and first stage landing, I came across an astounding--yet not totally unexpected--fact about the vehicle. The “stock” Falcon 9 first stage is capable of reaching orbit all by itself with a significant payload (SSTO [Single-Stage-To-Orbit] capability), as is discussed on the following four webpages:

http://exoscientist.blogspot.com/20...-v11-first.html (Part 1 of 2)

http://exoscientist.blogspot.com/20...-v11-first.html (Part 2 of 2)

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/669132749500887040 (Elon Musk mentioned Falcon 9 SSTO capability in a Tweet)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_9_full_thrust (Note #27 at bottom of article mentions Falcon 9 SSTO capability)

I hope this information will be helpful.

__________________
Black Shire--Draft horse in human form, model rocketeer, occasional mystic, and writer, see:
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperba...an-form/8075185
http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6122050
http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6126511
All of my book proceeds go to the Northcote Heavy Horse Centre www.northcotehorses.com.
NAR #54895 SR