[11-12-07 – Satellite Today] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has completed development of its Merlin 1C next generation liquid fueled rocket booster engine, the company announced Sept. 12.

The Merlin 1C is an improved version of the Merlin 1A ablatively cooled engine, which has been used in a pair of Falcon 1 launches. The Merlin 1C uses rocket propellant grade kerosene to cool the combustion chamber and nozzle before being combined with the liquid oxygen to create thrust.

The Merlin 1C will power SpaceX’s next Falcon 1 mission, which is scheduled for early 2008.