Merlin 1г—1 May 2026

The consists of high-performance liquid rocket engines developed by SpaceX to power their Falcon 1 , Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets. Operating on a gas-generator open-cycle using RP-1 (rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX), they are renowned for their world-leading thrust-to-weight ratio and design for reusability. Key Variants and History

: Based on the Apollo Lunar Module landing engine, this provides excellent stability and allows for deep throttling. Merlin 1Г—1

: An upgraded variant of the 1A with a more powerful turbine; it was never used on a flight vehicle before SpaceX shifted to regenerative cooling. : An upgraded variant of the 1A with

: The first to feature a regeneratively cooled nozzle and combustion chamber. It powered the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit (Falcon 1 Flight 4) and early Falcon 9 flights. : One center Merlin engine is fired during

: One center Merlin engine is fired during the final landing burn to enable first-stage vertical landings.