What does this number measure?
The official SpaceX document dated 5 June 2026 gives a height of 70 m and a diameter of 3.7 m for Falcon 9. This reference compares the complete launch vehicle with its two stages, interstage and standard fairing, as specified in the September 2021 Falcon user's guide. It does not represent the first stage alone, an extended-fairing version or a configuration carrying the Dragon spacecraft. The tower, ground supports, flames and plume are excluded. First-stage return is a feature of the vehicle; the drawing does not illustrate a particular launch and is not an engineering drawing.
Compare the stated dimensions
The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.
Source and limitations
Published nominal height of the launch vehicle with its standard fairing; this is neither the height of the first stage alone nor a construction tolerance. Other fairings and Dragon configurations have their own geometry.
Original interpreted illustration of the complete Falcon 9 launcher with its standard fairing. Height calibrated from the fairing tip to the bottom of the engines; ground facilities excluded. Artistic details, not a photograph.