Launcher Versions
There are presently two versions of the Falcon 9. The Falcon 9 v1.1 will replace the current Falcon 9 in 2013. It includes realigned 1st-stage engines and longer fuel tanks. The engines themselves will be upgraded to the more powerful Merlin 1D. These improvements will increase the payload capability from about 9,000 kg to over 13,000 kg. The new first stage will also be used as side boosters on Falcon Heavy.
In December 2011, a derivative rocket, known as the Falcon 9 Air, has been announced as part of Stratolaunch Systems' launch service but few details have been released.
Read more about this topic: Falcon 9
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“The assumption must be that those who can see value only in tradition, or versions of it, deny man’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”
—Stephen Bayley (b. 1951)