// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
RP-1
RP-1 is a highly refined form of kerosene, similar to jet fuel, that is widely used as a rocket propellant. It is typically combined with liquid oxygen to power the first stages of launch vehicles like the Falcon 9 and Saturn V.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1) is a high-performance, kerosene-based hydrocarbon rocket fuel conforming to military specification MIL-DTL-25576, used in bipropellant liquid rocket engines. It is typically paired with a Liquid Oxygen (LOX) oxidizer, offering a high thrust-to-weight ratio and density, making it ideal for the first stages of launch vehicles such as the SpaceX Falcon 9, Saturn V, and Soyuz.
BACKGROUND
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (Firefly) is an American aerospace firm based in Cedar Park, Texas. Firefly develops small- and medium-lift launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit. Firefly's stated purpose is to increase access to space, similar to other private spaceflight companies.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Refined Petroleum-1
- Rocket Propellant-1
- Kerosene propellant
- MIL-DTL-25576
- Hydrocarbon fuel
- KeroLOX fuel
USAGE NOTE
RP-1 is a popular choice for the first stages of orbital rockets because its high density allows for smaller, lighter fuel tanks compared to liquid hydrogen.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to RP-1.
Develops and operates the Merlin engine family, which powers the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets using a sub-cooled version of RP-1, known as RP-1, and liquid oxygen (LOX).
An L3Harris Technologies company with a long history of developing RP-1 engines, including the historic F-1 for the Saturn V. They developed the modern AR1, an oxygen-rich staged-combustion RP-1 engine.
Operates the Atlas V launch vehicle, whose first stage is powered by the Russian-made RD-180 engine, which burns RP-1 and liquid oxygen.
Designs and manufactures the Reaver engine, which uses RP-1 and LOX to power the first stage of their Alpha launch vehicle.
A dedicated rocket engine manufacturer that produces the Hadley engine, a 5,000-pound-thrust, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine designed to run on RP-1 or other kerosene-based fuels.
Develops the RS1 small-satellite launch vehicle, which is powered by nine of their E2 gas-generator cycle engines on the first stage, burning RP-1 and liquid oxygen.
A Russian rocket engine manufacturer that designs and produces some of the world's most advanced RP-1 engines, including the RD-180 used on the Atlas V and the RD-181 used on the Antares rocket.