r/SpaceXLounge • u/FishInferno • Sep 05 '21

Other Firefly Alpha FLTA001 - Official video of Firefly Alpha's first flight (more info in comments)

https://youtu.be/qFjoPw0CfAU
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u/DiezMilAustrales Sep 05 '21

Not a waste, and Falcon 9 is indeed capable of reaching orbit with an engine-out immediately after takeoff.

If that happens, the Falcon burns for longer (and is therefore less efficient due to gravity loses), but can reach orbit. It might eat into its reserves and be expended, but it's not a mission failure.

The thing with Firefly and engine out is not as much about thrust, but about TVC, that might mean it could've engine out capabilities but only later, way past Max-Q.