Tweet
There will be Dragon Fire on NASA TV
The DragonV2 test vehicle will launch from a truss structure at KSC Launch Complex 40 after a simulated Falcon 9 abort signal is initiated. Its eight 3D printed SuperDraco thrusters will generate almost 16,000 lbf of thrust each, pulling Dragon V2 and its finned Trunk to safety going supersonic in <5 seconds.
The Trunk fins add stability through the abort burn, then after the SuperDracos shut down the Trunk separates and Dragon V2's parachutes open for a water touchdown offshore.
If this test goes well, this Dragon V2 will demonstrate its reusability by being used in a mid-launch abort test at Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base later this summer.
SuperDraco engine pod (4 w/2 SD's each)
Test vehicle
Single SuperDraco pod Test
The DragonV2 test vehicle will launch from a truss structure at KSC Launch Complex 40 after a simulated Falcon 9 abort signal is initiated. Its eight 3D printed SuperDraco thrusters will generate almost 16,000 lbf of thrust each, pulling Dragon V2 and its finned Trunk to safety going supersonic in <5 seconds.
The Trunk fins add stability through the abort burn, then after the SuperDracos shut down the Trunk separates and Dragon V2's parachutes open for a water touchdown offshore.
If this test goes well, this Dragon V2 will demonstrate its reusability by being used in a mid-launch abort test at Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base later this summer.
April 21, 2015
MEDIA ADVISORY M15-062
Media Accreditation Opens for SpaceX Commercial Crew Pad Abort Test
Media accreditation is open for a pad abort test of SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft next month. The test will simulate an emergency abort from a test stand on Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is prepared for critical pad abort test that will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in May.
As a development test, the likelihood of encountering an issue is higher than with operational missions. SpaceX currently is targeting no earlier than Tuesday, May 5, for the test flight. The company will have a four-hour window to conduct the test, beginning at about 9:30 a.m. EDT. SpaceX has an additional test opportunity on May 6.
NASA Television will provide live coverage of the test. NASA TV also will air a media briefing previewing the test with SpaceX and NASA representatives. The date and time for the briefing, which will take place at NASA Kennedy Space Centers Press Site, are yet to be determined.
The ability to abort from a launch or pad emergency and safely carry crew members out of harm's way is a critical element for NASA's next generation of crew spacecraft. SpaceX will perform the test under its Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) agreement with NASA, but can use the data gathered during the development flight as it continues on the path to certification. Under a separate Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract, NASA's Commercial Crew Program will certify SpaceXs Crew Dragon, Falcon 9 rocket, ground and mission operations systems to fly crews to and from the International Space Station.
MEDIA ADVISORY M15-062
Media Accreditation Opens for SpaceX Commercial Crew Pad Abort Test
Media accreditation is open for a pad abort test of SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft next month. The test will simulate an emergency abort from a test stand on Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is prepared for critical pad abort test that will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in May.
As a development test, the likelihood of encountering an issue is higher than with operational missions. SpaceX currently is targeting no earlier than Tuesday, May 5, for the test flight. The company will have a four-hour window to conduct the test, beginning at about 9:30 a.m. EDT. SpaceX has an additional test opportunity on May 6.
NASA Television will provide live coverage of the test. NASA TV also will air a media briefing previewing the test with SpaceX and NASA representatives. The date and time for the briefing, which will take place at NASA Kennedy Space Centers Press Site, are yet to be determined.
The ability to abort from a launch or pad emergency and safely carry crew members out of harm's way is a critical element for NASA's next generation of crew spacecraft. SpaceX will perform the test under its Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) agreement with NASA, but can use the data gathered during the development flight as it continues on the path to certification. Under a separate Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract, NASA's Commercial Crew Program will certify SpaceXs Crew Dragon, Falcon 9 rocket, ground and mission operations systems to fly crews to and from the International Space Station.
Test vehicle
Single SuperDraco pod Test
Comment