Falcon 9 - Launch Costs

Launch Costs

At an appearance in May 2004 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Elon Musk testified, "Long term plans call for development of a heavy lift product and even a super-heavy, if there is customer demand. Ultimately, I believe $500 per pound or less is very achievable."

SpaceX formally announced plans for the Falcon 9 on 2005-09-08, describing it as being a "fully reusable heavy lift launch vehicle." A Falcon 9 medium was described as being capable of launching approximately 21,000 lb (9,500 kg) to low Earth orbit, priced at $27 million per flight ($1286/lb).

According to SpaceX in May 2011, a standard Falcon 9 launch will cost $54 million ($1862/lb), while NASA Dragon cargo missions to the ISS will have an average cost of $133 million.

Elon Musk at a National Press Club luncheon on Thursday, September 29, 2011 stated that fuel and oxygen total about $200,000 for Falcon 9 rocket. The first stage uses 39,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and almost 25,000 gallons of kerosene, while the second stage uses 7,300 gallons of liquid oxygen and 4,600 gallons of kerosene. - plus presumably more liquid oxygen used to keep the tanks topped-off, as the oxygen evaporates.