SpaceX Dragon 2#In-flight abort test

There are two variants of Dragon 2: Crew Dragon and Cargo Dragon.[https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830175624/https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|date=30 August 2018}} NASA 26 April 2018 Report No. IG-18-016 Quote: "For SpaceX, certification of the company's unproven cargo version of its Dragon 2 spacecraft for CRS-2 missions carries risk while the company works to resolve ongoing concerns related to software traceability and systems engineering processes" {{PD-notice}} Crew Dragon was initially called "DragonRider"{{cite web|title=Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, McGregor, Texas|url=http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/DragonFly_Final_EA_sm.pdf|pages=2–3|publisher=FAA|access-date=22 August 2014|archive-date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201175223/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/dragonfly_final_ea_sm.pdf|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite AV media|people=Gwynne Shotwell|title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell|url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|date=21 March 2014|access-date=22 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|archive-date=22 March 2014|time=24:05–24:45 and 28:15–28:35|publisher=The Space Show|id=2212|quote=we call it v2 for Dragon. That is the primary vehicle for crew, and we will retrofit it back to cargo|url-status=dead}} and it was intended from the beginning to support a crew of seven or a combination of crew and cargo.{{cite web|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/qa-former-astronaut-and-spacex-engineer-garrett-reisman-building-worlds-safest-spacecraft|title=Q+A: SpaceX Engineer Garrett Reisman on Building the World's Safest Spacecraft|date=13 April 2012|publisher=PopSci |quote=DragonRider, SpaceX's crew-capable variant of its Dragon capsule|access-date=15 April 2012|archive-date=16 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416023934/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/qa-former-astronaut-and-spacex-engineer-garrett-reisman-building-worlds-safest-spacecraft|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20111020|title=SpaceX Completes Key Milestone to Fly Astronauts to International Space Station|date=20 October 2011|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503032852/http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20111020|archive-date=3 May 2012|url-status=dead}} Earlier spacecraft had a berthing port and were berthed to ISS by ISS personnel. Dragon 2 instead has an IDSS-compatible docking port to dock to the International Docking Adapter ports on ISS. It is able to perform fully autonomous rendezvous and docking with manual override ability.{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/dragon.php|title=Dragon Overview|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405074247/https://spacex.com/dragon.php|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://dockingstandard.nasa.gov/Documents/AIAA_ATS_NDS-IDSS_Overview_Draft1.pdf|title=Overview of the NASA Docking System and the International Docking System Standard|last=Parma|first=George|date=20 March 2011|publisher=NASA|quote=iLIDS was later renamed the NASA Docking System (NDS), and will be NASA's implementation of an IDSS compatible docking system for all future U.S. vehicles|access-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015075220/http://dockingstandard.nasa.gov/Documents/AIAA_ATS_NDS-IDSS_Overview_Draft1.pdf|archive-date=15 October 2011}} {{PD-notice}} For typical missions, Crew Dragon remains docked to the ISS for a nominal period of 180 days, but is designed to remain on the station for up to 210 days,{{efn|NASA extended the Crew-8 mission to 235 days to help mitigate the problems with the Starliner CFT mission}} matching the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.{{cite web|url=http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=107|title=Commercial Crew Program: Key Driving Requirements Walkthrough|last=Bayt|first=Rob|date=16 July 2011 |publisher=NASA|access-date=27 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328055242/http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=107|archive-date=28 March 2012}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17815821|title=Space station trip will push the envelope|last=Oberg|first=Jim|date=28 March 2007|publisher=NBC News|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710045514/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17815821|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/documents/responses/nasa/2012-05-09_NASA_Response.pdf|title=2012-05-09_NASA_Response|last=Bolden|first=Charles|date=9 May 2012|publisher=NASA|access-date=20 June 2012|archive-date=15 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215194938/http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/documents/responses/nasa/2012-05-09_NASA_Response.pdf|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}With the exception of the Project Gemini spacecraft, which used twin ejection seats: [http://www.astronautix.com/craft/gemction.htm "Encyclopedia Astronautica: Gemini Ejection"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050425095154/http://astronautix.com/craft/gemction.htm|date=25 April 2005}} Astronautix.com Retrieved 24 January 2013{{cite news |last=Chow|first=Denise|title=Private Spaceship Builders Split Nearly US$270 Million in NASA Funds|url=http://www.space.com/11421-nasa-private-spaceship-funding-astronauts.html|access-date=18 December 2011 |publisher=Space.com|date=18 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231133929/http://www.space.com/11421-nasa-private-spaceship-funding-astronauts.html|archive-date=31 December 2011|url-status=dead}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20101215151136/http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/13/5645709-spaceship-teams-seek-more-funding "Spaceship teams seek more funding"] MSNBC 10 December 2010 Retrieved 14 December 2010

Crew Dragon is capable of autonomous operation. SpaceX and NASA state that it is capable of carrying seven astronauts, but in normal operations, it carries two to four crew members, and {{as of|lc=yes|2025|1}}, has never carried more than four.{{cite web |title=COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM |page=20|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/commercial_crew_press_kit_2.pdf?emrc=d5924a#C9 |website=NASA |access-date=30 November 2024}}

Crew Dragon includes an integrated pusher launch escape system whose eight SuperDraco engines can separate the capsule away from the launch vehicle in an emergency. SpaceX originally intended to use the SuperDraco engines to land Crew Dragon on land; parachutes and an ocean splashdown were envisioned for use only in the case of an aborted launch. Precision water landing under parachutes was proposed to NASA as "the baseline return and recovery approach for the first few flights" of Crew Dragon.{{cite web |last=Reisman |first=Garrett |date=27 February 2015 |title=Statement of Garrett Reisman, Director of Crew Operations, Space Explorations Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) before the Subcommittee on Space, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Reisman%20Testimony.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605163309/https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Reisman%20Testimony.pdf |archive-date=5 June 2020 |access-date=5 June 2020 |publisher=United States House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology}} {{PD-notice}} However, propulsive landing was later cancelled, leaving ocean splashdown under parachutes as the only option.{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/updates.php|title=SpaceX Updates – Taking the next step: Commercial Crew Development Round 2|publisher=SpaceX|date=17 January 2010 |access-date=17 January 2011|archive-date=27 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727153858/http://www.spacex.com/updates.php|url-status=live}}

In 2012, SpaceX was in talks with Orbital Outfitters about developing space suits to wear during launch and re-entry.{{cite web|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-10/deep-space-suit |title=The Deep-Space Suit|last=Sofge|first=Eric|date=19 November 2012|work=PopSci|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127172503/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-10/deep-space-suit|url-status=live}} Each crew member wears a custom-fitted space suit that provides cooling inside the Dragon (IVA type suit) but can also protect its wearer in a rapid cabin depressurization.{{cite web|title=Dragon|url=https://www.spacex.com/dragon|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302235320/https://www.spacex.com/dragon|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/space/a-first-look-at-the-spacesuits-of-the-future.aspx|title=A First Look at the Spacesuits of the Future|last1=Gibbens|first1=Sarah|work=National Geographic|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306045202/https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/space/a-first-look-at-the-spacesuits-of-the-future.aspx|url-status=dead}} For the Demo-1 mission, a test dummy was fitted with the spacesuit and sensors. The spacesuit is made from Nomex, a fire-retardant fabric similar to Kevlar.

The spacecraft's design was unveiled on 29 May 2014, during a press event at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California.{{cite news|last=Norris|first=Guy|title=SpaceX Unveils 'Step Change' Dragon 'V2'|url=http://aviationweek.com/space/spacex-unveils-step-change-dragon-v2|access-date=30 May 2014|work=Aviation Week|date=30 May 2014|archive-date=31 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531110355/http://aviationweek.com/space/spacex-unveils-step-change-dragon-v2|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kramer|first=Miriam|title=SpaceX Unveils Dragon V2 Spaceship, a Manned Space Taxi for Astronauts — Meet Dragon V2: SpaceX's Manned Space Taxi for Astronaut Trips|url=http://www.space.com/26063-spacex-unveils-dragon-v2-manned-spaceship.html |access-date=30 May 2014|newspaper=Space.com|date=30 May 2014|archive-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220092038/http://www.space.com/26063-spacex-unveils-dragon-v2-manned-spaceship.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=SpaceX lifts the lid on the Dragon V2 crew spacecraft|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/spacex-lifts-the-lid-dragon-v2-crew-spacecraft/|access-date=30 May 2014|last=Bergin|first=Chris|newspaper=NASAspaceflight.com|date=30 May 2014|archive-date=31 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531104755/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/spacex-lifts-the-lid-dragon-v2-crew-spacecraft/|url-status=live}} In October 2014, NASA selected the Dragon spacecraft as one of the candidates to fly American astronauts to the International Space Station, under the Commercial Crew Program.{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2014/09/16/nasa-selects-spacex-be-part-americas-human-spaceflight-program|title=NASA Selects SpaceX to be Part of America's Human Spaceflight Program|last=Post|first=Hannah |date=16 September 2014|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=3 March 2019 |archive-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315165820/https://www.spacex.com/news/2014/09/16/nasa-selects-spacex-be-part-americas-human-spaceflight-program|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/so-spacex-is-having-quite-a-year/|title=So SpaceX is having quite a year|last1=Berger|first1=Eric|date=9 June 2017|access-date=9 June 2017|work=Ars Technica|archive-date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609161325/https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/so-spacex-is-having-quite-a-year/|url-status=live}} In March 2022, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told Reuters that "We are finishing our final (capsule), but we still are manufacturing components, because we'll be refurbishing".{{Cite news |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=2022-03-28 |title=EXCLUSIVE SpaceX ending production of flagship crew capsule |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/exclusive-spacex-ending-production-flagship-crew-capsule-executive-2022-03-28/ |access-date=2022-03-28}} SpaceX later decided to build a fifth Crew Dragon capsule, to be available by 2024.{{cite web |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |title=SpaceX to launch last new cargo Dragon spacecraft |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-to-launch-last-new-cargo-dragon-spacecraft/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=18 February 2023 |date=19 November 2022 |quote=Walker revealed at the briefing SpaceX plans to build a fifth and likely final Crew Dragon.}} SpaceX also manufactures a new expendable trunk for each flight.

SpaceX's Commercial Crew Transportation Capabilities (CCtCap) contract values each seat on a Crew Dragon flight to be around US$88 million,{{Cite web |last=Potter |first=Sean |date=Aug 31, 2022 |title=NASA Awards SpaceX More Crew Flights to Space Station |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-awards-spacex-more-crew-flights-to-space-station |access-date= |website=NASA.gov |publisher=NASA |quote=This is a firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract modification for the Crew-10, Crew-11, Crew-12, Crew-13, and Crew-14 flights. The value of this modification for all five missions and related mission services is $1,436,438,446. The amount includes ground, launch, in-orbit, and return and recovery operations, cargo transportation for each mission, and a lifeboat capability while docked to the International Space Station. The period of performance runs through 2030 and brings the total CCtCap contract value with SpaceX to $4,927,306,350}} while the face value of each seat has been estimated by NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) to be around US$55 million.{{Cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Niall|title=Why SpaceX Is A Game Changer For NASA [Infographic]|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2020/06/04/why-spacex-is-a-game-changer-for-nasa-infographic/#4c5e22801656|website=Forbes|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627030645/https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2020/06/04/why-spacex-is-a-game-changer-for-nasa-infographic/#71bde5216ff2|archive-date=27 June 2020|date=4 June 2020|quote=According to the NASA audit, the SpaceX Crew Dragon's per-seat cost works out at an estimated $55 million while a seat on Boeing's Starliner is approximately $90 million ...|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last1=McFall-Johnsen|first1=Morgan|last2=Mosher|first2=Dave|last3=Secon|first3=Holly|title=SpaceX is set to launch astronauts on Wednesday. Here's how Elon Musk's company became NASA's best shot at resurrecting American spaceflight|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-boeing-nasa-commercial-crew-program-launch-astronauts-2020-1|website=Business Insider|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627031056/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/spacex-boeing-nasa-commercial-crew-program-launch-astronauts-2020-1|archive-date=27 June 2020|date=26 January 2020|quote=Eventually, a round-trip seat on the Crew Dragon is expected to cost about $US55 million. A seat on Starliner will cost about $US90 million. That's according to a November 2019 report from the NASA Office of Inspector General.|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Wall|first=Mike|title=Here's How Much NASA Is Paying Per Seat on SpaceX's Crew Dragon & Boeing's Starliner|url=https://www.space.com/spacex-boeing-commercial-crew-seat-prices.html|website=Space.com|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627031359/https://www.space.com/spacex-boeing-commercial-crew-seat-prices.html|archive-date=27 June 2020 |date=16 November 2019|quote=NASA will likely pay about $90 million for each astronaut who flies aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule on International Space Station (ISS) missions, the report estimated. The per-seat cost for SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, meanwhile, will be around $55 million, according to the OIG's calculations.|url-status=live}} This contrasts with the 2014 Soyuz launch price of US$76 million per seat for NASA astronauts.{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sci-tech/space/spacex-scrubs-launch-iss-over-rocket-engine-problem-933|title=SpaceX scrubs launch to ISS over rocket engine problem|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=19 May 2012|access-date=23 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523003837/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sci-tech/space/spacex-scrubs-launch-iss-over-rocket-engine-problem-933|archive-date=23 May 2012}}

Dragon 2 was intended from the earliest design concept to carry crew, or with fewer seats, both crew and cargo.

The cargo version, dubbed Cargo Dragon, became a reality after 2014, when NASA sought bids on a second round of multi-year contracts to bring cargo to the ISS in 2020 through 2024. In January 2016, SpaceX won contracts for six of these flights, dubbed CRS-2.{{cite news|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/nasa-crs-missions-dragon-cygnus/|title=NASA lines up four additional CRS missions for Dragon and Cygnus|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|work=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=19 April 2015|archive-date=30 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130164344/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/nasa-crs-missions-dragon-cygnus/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2024|04}}, Cargo Dragon has completed nine missions to and from the ISS with six more planned.

Cargo Dragons lack several features of the crewed variant, including seats, cockpit controls, astronaut life support systems, and SuperDraco abort engines.{{cite web |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-no-crew-dragon-spaceship-reuse-nasa-astronaut-launches/cargo-dragon-2-required-modifications/|title=Dragon 2 modifications to Carry Cargo for CRS-2 missions|last=Ralph |first=Eric|publisher=SpaceX/Teslarati|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001023048/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-no-crew-dragon-spaceship-reuse-nasa-astronaut-launches/cargo-dragon-2-required-modifications/|url-status=live}}{{cite report|url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|title=Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Center|author=|publisher=NASA|work=Office of Inspector General|volume=IG-18-016|pages=24, 28–30|date=26 April 2018|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=5 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405210438/https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} Cargo Dragon improves on many aspects of the original Dragon design, including the recovery and refurbishment process.{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/02/spacex-to-begin-flights-under-new-cargo-resupply-contract-next-year/|title=SpaceX to begin flights under new cargo resupply contract next year|last=Clark|first=Stephen|work=Spaceflight Now|date=2 August 2019|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803000441/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/02/spacex-to-begin-flights-under-new-cargo-resupply-contract-next-year/|url-status=live}}

Since 2021, Cargo Dragon has been able to provide power to some payloads, saving space in the ISS and eliminating the time needed to move the payloads and set them up inside. This feature, announced on 29 August 2021 during the CRS-23 launch, is called Extend-the-Lab. "For CRS-23 there are 3 Extend-the-Lab payloads launching with the mission, and once docked, a 4th which is currently already on the space station will be added to Dragon".{{citation |title=CRS-23 Mission | date=29 August 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-KiDqxAMU0 |access-date=2021-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829171335/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-KiDqxAMU0 |archive-date=29 August 2021 |url-status=live}}{{citation |title=CRS-21 Mission |url=https://www.spacex.com/launches/crs-21-splashdown/}} For the first time, Dragon {{ComV|SpaceX Cargo Dragon|C208|full=nolink}} performed test reboost of the ISS via its aft-facing Draco thrusters on 8 November 2024 at 17:50 UTC.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2024-11-05 |title=Falcon 9 launches cargo Dragon mission to ISS |url=https://spacenews.com/falcon-9-launches-cargo-dragon-mission-to-iss-2/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}

The US Deorbit Vehicle is a planned Cargo Dragon variant that will be used to deorbit the ISS and direct any remnants into the "spacecraft cemetery", a remote area of the southern Pacific Ocean.{{Cite news |date=1 February 2022 |title=NASA plans to take International Space Station out of orbit in January 2031 by crashing it into 'spacecraft cemetery' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-plans-to-take-international-space-station-out-of-orbit-in-january-2031-by-crashing-it-into-spacecraft-cemetery-12530194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010112515/https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-plans-to-take-international-space-station-out-of-orbit-in-january-2031-by-crashing-it-into-spacecraft-cemetery-12530194 |archive-date=10 October 2023 |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=Sky News}} The vehicle will attach to the ISS using one of the Cargo Dragon vehicles, which will be paired with a longer trunk module equipped with 46 Draco thrusters (instead of the normal 16) and will carry {{Convert|30000|kg|abbr=on}} of propellant, nearly six times the normal load. NASA plans to launch the deorbit vehicle in 2030 where it will remain attached, dormant, for about a year as the station's orbit naturally decays to {{cvt|220|km}}. The spacecraft is to then conduct one or more orientation burns to lower the perigee to {{cvt|150|km}}, followed by a final deorbiting burn.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=9 May 2023 |title=NASA proposes 'hybrid' contract approach for space station deorbit vehicle |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-proposals-hybrid-contract-approach-for-space-station-deorbit-vehicle/ |access-date=10 May 2023 |website=SpaceNews }} In June 2024, NASA awarded a contract worth up to $843 million to SpaceX to build the deorbit vehicle as it works to secure funding.{{Cite web |title=NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle – NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-international-space-station-us-deorbit-vehicle/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2024-05-01 |title=Nelson lobbies Congress to fund ISS deorbit vehicle in supplemental spending bill |url=https://spacenews.com/nelson-lobbies-congress-to-fund-iss-deorbit-vehicle-in-supplemental-spending-bill/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}

File:Crew Dragon Resilience Crew-1.jpg Horizontal Integration Facility in November 2020 preparing for the launch of Crew-1.]]File:Spaceships.svg

SpaceX, which aims to dramatically lower space transportation costs, designed Dragon 2 to be reused, not discarded as is typical of spacecraft. It is composed of a reusable capsule and a disposable trunk.

SpaceX and NASA initially certified the capsule to be used for five missions. {{As of|2024|03}}, they are working to certify it for up to fifteen missions.{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/spacex-nasa-crew-dragon-spacecraft-15-flights|title=NASA, SpaceX looking to extend lifespan of Crew Dragon spacecraft to 15 flights|first=Brett|last=Tingley|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=August 21, 2024|website=space.com}}

To maximize cost-effectiveness, SpaceX incorporated several innovative design choices. The Crew Dragon employs eight side-mounted SuperDraco engines for its emergency escape system, eliminating the need for a traditional, disposable escape tower. Furthermore, instead of housing the critical and expensive life support, thruster, and propellant storage systems in a disposable service module, Dragon 2 integrates them within the capsule for reuse.

File:Dragon Resilience, perched atop her lair.jpg

The trunk serves as an adapter between the capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket's second stage and also includes solar panels, a heat-dissipation radiator, and fins to provide aerodynamic stability during emergency aborts. Dragon 2 integrates solar arrays directly into the trunk's structure, replacing the deployable panels of its predecessor, Dragon 1. The trunk can also accommodate unpressurized cargo, such as the Roll Out Solar Array transported to the ISS. The trunk is connected to the capsule using a fitting known as "the claw."{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |date=2024-09-14 |title=Polaris Dawn returns home after landmark commercial spaceflight |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/09/polaris-dawn-splashdown/ |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}

The typical Crew Dragon mission includes four astronauts: a commander who leads the mission and has primary responsibility for operating the spacecraft, a pilot who serves as backup for both command and operations and two mission specialists who may have specific duties assigned depending on the mission. However, the Crew Dragon can fly missions with just two astronauts as needed, and in an emergency, up to seven astronauts could return to Earth from the ISS on Dragon.{{Cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=2024-08-09 |title=Will SpaceX carry Boeing Starliner crew home? Here's how Dragon could do it |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner |access-date=2024-08-19 |language=en}}

On the ground, crews enter the capsule through a side hatch.

File:Crew Dragon interior configuration.jpg

On the Crew Dragon, above the two center seats (occupied by the commander and pilot), there is a three-screen control panel. Below the seats is the cargo pallet, where around {{Convert|500|lb|order=flip}} of items can be stowed.{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-11-16 |title=Crew-1 Dragon Arrives At the International Space Station |url=https://spacenews.com/crew-1-dragon-arrives-at-the-international-space-station/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}} The capsule’s ceiling includes a small space toilet (with privacy curtain),{{Cite news |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=2021-11-11 |title=SpaceX's toilet is working fine, thanks for asking. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/10/science/spacex-toilet-diapers.html |access-date=2024-08-22 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and an International Docking System Standard (IDSS) port. For private spaceflight missions not requiring ISS docking, the IDSS port can be replaced with a {{Convert|1.2|m|sp=us|adj=on}} domed plexiglass window offering panoramic views, similar to the ISS Cupola.{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=30 March 2021 |title=SpaceX's Dragon spaceship is getting the ultimate window for private Inspiration4 spaceflight |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-cupola-window-inspiration4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184746/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-cupola-window-inspiration4 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=8 July 2021 |work=Space.com}} Additionally, SpaceX has developed a "Skywalker" hatch for missions involving extravehicular activities.{{Cite news |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Overview: Approaching Dawn |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/overview-approaching-dawn-michael-sheetz-fp6pc/ |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=CNBC's Investing in Space Newsletter}}

The Cargo Dragon is also loaded from the side hatch and has an IDSS port on the ceiling. However, it lacks the control panels, windows, and seats of the Crew Dragon.

The spacecraft can be operated in full vacuum, and "the crew will wear SpaceX-designed space suits to protect them from a rapid cabin depressurization emergency event". The spacecraft has also been designed to be able to land safely with a leak "of up to an equivalent orifice of {{cvt|6.35|mm|in|2|disp=sqbr}} in diameter".

The spacecraft's nose cone protects the docking port and four forward-facing thrusters during ascent and reentry. This component pivots open for in-space operations. Dragon 2's propellant and helium pressurant for emergency abort and orbital maneuvers are stored in composite-carbon-overwrap titanium spherical tanks at the capsule's base in an area known as the service section.

For launch aborts, the capsule relies on eight SuperDraco engines arranged in four redundant pairs. Each engine generates {{cvt|71|kN}} of thrust. Sixteen smaller Draco thrusters placed around the spacecraft control its attitude and perform orbital maneuvers.

File:NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 Splashdown (NHQ202210140015).jpeg

When the capsule returns to Earth, a PICA-3 heat shield safeguards the capsule during reentry. Dragon 2 uses a total of six parachutes (two drogues and four mains) to decelerate after atmospheric entry and before splashdown, compared to the five used by Dragon 1. The additional parachute was required by NASA as a safety measure after a Dragon 1 suffered a parachute malfunction. The company also went through two rounds of parachute development before being certified to fly with crew.{{Cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=2019-12-05 |title=SpaceX's Crew Dragon parachutes are almost ready for NASA astronauts |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-crew-dragon-parachutes-nasa-astronauts/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}} In 2024, the use of the SuperDraco thrusters for propulsive landing was enabled again, but only as a back-up for parachute emergencies.{{Cite web |last=McCrea |first=Aaron |date=2024-10-10 |title=Dragon receives long-planned propulsive landing upgrade after years of development |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/10/dragon-propulsive-landing/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}

File:SpaceX Dragon 2 and astronauts 2018.jpg, Bob Behnken, Michael S. Hopkins, and Victor J. Glover]]

Crew Dragon is used by both commercial and government customers. Axiom Space launches commercial astronauts to the ISS and intends to eventually launch to their own private space station. NASA flights to the ISS have four astronauts, with the added payload mass and volume used to carry pressurized cargo.{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=Dragon V2 will initially rely on parachute landings|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/dragon-v2-rely-parachutes-landing/|access-date=29 August 2014 |work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=28 August 2014|archive-date=28 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828214641/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/dragon-v2-rely-parachutes-landing/ |url-status=live}}

On 16 September 2014, NASA announced that SpaceX and Boeing had been selected to provide crew transportation to the ISS. SpaceX was to receive up to US$2.6 billion under this contract to provide development test flights and up to six operational flights.{{cite web|title=NASA Chooses American Companies to Transport U.S. Astronauts to International Space Station|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international/ |publisher=NASA|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320051537/https://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} Dragon was the less expensive proposal,{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|title=Why NASA Rejected Sierra Nevada's Commercial Crew Vehicle|work=Aviation Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027174620/http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 October 2014|access-date=3 March 2019}} but NASA's William H. Gerstenmaier considered the Boeing Starliner proposal the stronger of the two. However, Crew Dragon's first operational flight, SpaceX Crew-1, was on 16 November 2020 after several test flights, while Starliner suffered multiple problems and delays, with its first operational flight slipping to no earlier than early 2025.{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Heather |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2023/10/12/nasa-updates-commercial-crew-planning-manifest/ |title=NASA Updates Commercial Crew Planning Manifest |work=NASA |date=12 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023}}

In a departure from the prior NASA practice, where construction contracts with commercial firms led to direct NASA operation of the spacecraft, NASA is purchasing space transport services from SpaceX, including construction, launch, and operation of the Dragon 2.

NASA approved a new propellant loading procedure due to the Falcon 9 rocket's novel use of superchilled propellants. Unlike earlier NASA spacecraft, such as the Saturn V and Space Shuttle—where propellants were fully loaded hours before launch and before astronauts boarded—on the Falcon 9, propellants are loaded just before launch to keep the liquid oxygen near {{Convert|-340|F}} and the kerosene near {{Convert|20|F}}.{{Cite tweet |number=677666779494248449 |user=elonmusk |title=-340 F in this case. Deep cryo increases density and amplifies rocket performance. First time anyone has gone this low for O2. [RP-1 chilled] from 70F to 20 F |first=Elon |last=Musk |author-link=Elon Musk |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231204559/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/677666779494248449 |archive-date=31 December 2015 |url-status=live}} Propellant loading begins approximately 40 minutes before liftoff, with the launch escape system active to ensure the crew can be safely pulled away from the rocket in the event of an emergency during fuel loading.{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Mark |date=17 August 2018 |title=NASA, SpaceX Agree on Plans for Crew Launch Day Operations |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-spacex-agree-on-plans-for-crew-launch-day-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003104824/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-spacex-agree-on-plans-for-crew-launch-day-operations/ |archive-date=3 October 2018 |access-date=25 November 2018 |publisher=NASA}} {{PD-notice}}

The first uncrewed test mission, Demo-1, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on 2 March 2019.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/11/21/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-5/|title=NASA's Commercial Crew Program Target Test Flight Dates|date=21 November 2018|publisher=NASA|access-date=22 November 2018|archive-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125212110/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/11/21/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-5/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}} After schedule slips,{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|title=NASA, Partners Update Commercial Crew Launch Dates|date=6 February 2019|work=NASA Commercial Crew Program Blog|access-date=8 February 2019|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302204511/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}} the first crewed flight, Demo-2, launched on 30 May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/17/soyuz-with-crew-of-three-lands-safely-in-kazakhstan/|title=Elon Musk Shares Simulation Video, Schedule Of Crew Dragon's First Crewed Flight|date=17 April 2020|archive-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420193137/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/17/soyuz-with-crew-of-three-lands-safely-in-kazakhstan/|url-status=live|last=Chan|first=Athena|work=International Business Times|access-date=17 April 2020}}

SpaceX planned a series of four flight tests for the Crew Dragon: a pad abort test, an uncrewed orbital flight to the ISS, an in-flight abort test, and finally, a crewed flight to the ISS,{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/06/04/s-s-john-glenn-freighter-departs-space-station-after-successful-cargo-delivery/|title=S.S. John Glenn freighter departs space station after successful cargo delivery|work=Spaceflight Now|first=Justin|last=Ray|date=13 December 2016|access-date=4 June 2017}} which was initially planned for July 2019, but after a Dragon capsule explosion, was delayed to May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-tentative-spacex-launch-date |title=NASA sets tentative date for launching astronauts in SpaceX ship|archive-date=3 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703031223/https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-tentative-spacex-launch-date|url-status=live|website=futurism.com|date=26 June 2019 |access-date=3 July 2019}}

{{Main|Dragon 2 Pad Abort Test}}

File:Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test (16814592054).jpg, SLC-40]]

The pad abort test was conducted successfully on 6 May 2015 at SpaceX's leased SLC-40 launch site. Dragon landed safely in the ocean to the east of the launchpad 99 seconds after ignition of the SuperDraco engines.{{cite web|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|title=SpaceX crew capsule completes dramatic abort test|date=6 May 2015|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610060727/http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|url-status=live|last1=Clark|first1=Stephen|work=Spaceflight Now|access-date=14 May 2015}} While a flight-like Dragon 2 and trunk were used for the pad abort test, they rested atop a truss structure for the test rather than a full Falcon 9 rocket. A crash test dummy embedded with a suite of sensors was placed inside the test vehicle to record acceleration loads and forces at the crew seat, while the remaining six seats were loaded with weights to simulate full-passenger-load weight.{{cite news |last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX preparing for a busy season of missions and test milestones|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=3 April 2015 |archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407001148/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/|url-status=live|access-date=4 April 2015}} The test objective was to demonstrate sufficient total impulse, thrust and controllability to conduct a safe pad abort. A fuel mixture ratio issue was detected after the flight in one of the eight SuperDraco engines causing it to under perform, but did not materially affect the flight.{{cite web|title=SpaceX Crew Dragon pad abort: Test flight demos launch escape system|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-050615a-spacex-dragon-pad-abort.html|website=collectspace.com|access-date=14 May 2015|date=6 May 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518075950/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-050615a-spacex-dragon-pad-abort.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Bergin|first=Chris|title=Dragon 2 conducts Pad Abort leap in key SpaceX test|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/05/dragon-2-pad-abort-leap-key-spacex-test/|work=NASASpaceFlight|access-date=6 May 2015|date=6 May 2015|archive-date=22 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522125801/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/05/dragon-2-pad-abort-leap-key-spacex-test/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen |title=SpaceX crew capsule completes dramatic abort test|work=Spaceflight Now|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|access-date=2020-06-23|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730070948/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|url-status=live}}

On 24 November 2015, SpaceX conducted a test of Dragon 2's hovering abilities at the firm's rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. In a video, the spacecraft is shown suspended by a hoisting cable and igniting its SuperDraco engines to hover for about 5 seconds, balancing on its 8 engines firing at reduced thrust to compensate exactly for gravity.{{cite AV media|title=Dragon 2 Propulsive Hover Test|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Pm8ZY0XJI|publisher=SpaceX|date=21 January 2016|access-date=21 January 2016}} The test vehicle was the same capsule that performed the pad abort test earlier in 2015; it was nicknamed DragonFly.{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX DragonFly arrives at McGregor for testing|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/spacex-dragonfly-arrives-mcgregor-testing/|access-date=30 October 2015|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=21 October 2015|archive-date=2 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102064252/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/spacex-dragonfly-arrives-mcgregor-testing/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Crew Dragon Demo-1}}

File:Crew Demo-1 Mission (46535573034).jpg, Crew Dragon's maiden spaceflight]]

In 2015, NASA named its first Commercial Crew astronaut cadre of four veteran astronauts to work with SpaceX and Boeing – Robert Behnken, Eric Boe, Sunita Williams, and Douglas Hurley.{{cite web|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-070915a-commercial-crew-astronauts.html|title=NASA assigns 4 astronauts to commercial Boeing, SpaceX test flights|website=collectspace.com|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315165800/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-070915a-commercial-crew-astronauts.html|url-status=live}} The Demo-1 mission completed the last milestone of the Commercial Crew Development program, paving the way to starting commercial services under an upcoming ISS Crew Transportation Services contract.{{cite news|title=Commercial crew demo missions manifested for Dragon 2 and CST-100 |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/commercial-crew-demo-missions-dragon-cst-100/|archive-date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617084812/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/commercial-crew-demo-missions-dragon-cst-100/|last1=Bergin |first1=Chris|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|url-status=live|date=5 March 2015|access-date=7 March 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Kramer|first1=Miriam|title=Private Space Taxis on Track to Fly in 2017|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/private-space-taxis-on-track-to-fly-in-2017/|access-date=27 January 2015|work=Scientific American|date=27 January 2015|archive-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128042337/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/private-space-taxis-on-track-to-fly-in-2017/|url-status=live}} On 3 August 2018, NASA announced the crew for the DM-2 mission.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-crews-to-first-test-flights-missions-on-commercial-spacecraft|title=NASA Assigns Crews to First Test Flights, Missions on Commercial Spacecraft|publisher=NASA|archive-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320101243/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-crews-to-first-test-flights-missions-on-commercial-spacecraft|url-status=live|date=3 August 2018|access-date=4 August 2018}} {{PD-notice}} The crew of two consisted of NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley. Behnken previously flew as mission specialist on the STS-123 and the STS-130 missions. Hurley previously flew as a pilot on the STS-127 mission and on the final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135.{{cite news |author=Nail |first=Rachael |date=July 16, 2021 |title=Commander of first crewed SpaceX launch Doug Hurley retires |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2021/07/16/commander-first-crewed-spacex-launch-doug-hurley-retires/7991847002/ |access-date=July 4, 2023 |publisher=Florida Today}}

The first orbital test of Crew Dragon was an uncrewed mission, commonly called "Demo-1" and launched on 2 March 2019.{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|title=NASA, Partners Update Commercial Crew Launch Dates|work=NASA Commercial Crew Program Blog|date=6 February 2019|access-date=6 February 2019 |archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302204511/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL0tbOZYhE|title=Crew Demo-1 | Launch|website=YouTube|date=2 March 2019 |access-date=8 March 2019|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308142733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL0tbOZYhE|url-status=live}} The spacecraft tested the approach and automated docking procedures with the ISS,{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/03/03/spacex-crew-dragon-hatch-open/|title=SpaceX Crew Dragon Hatch Open|publisher=NASA|date=3 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304111704/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/03/03/spacex-crew-dragon-hatch-open/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} remained docked until 8 March 2019, then conducted the full re-entry, splashdown and recovery steps to qualify for a crewed mission.{{cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/crew_demo-1_press_kit.pdf |title=Crew Demo 1 Mission Overview|publisher=SpaceX|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302235308/https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/crew_demo-1_press_kit.pdf|url-status=live|date=March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aAe0GWIWGI|title=SpaceX #CrewDragon Demonstration Flight Return to Earth|date=8 March 2019 |website=YouTube}} Life-support systems were monitored for the entirety the test flight. The same capsule was planned to be re-used in June 2019 for an in-flight abort test before it exploded on 20 April 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/spacexs-crew-dragon-spacecraft-anomaly-static-fire-testing/|title=SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft suffers an anomaly during static fire testing at Cape Canaveral|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|author=Baylor, Michael|date=20 April 2019|access-date=21 April 2019|archive-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401121754/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/spacexs-crew-dragon-spacecraft-anomaly-static-fire-testing/|url-status=live}}

On 20 April 2019, {{ComV|SpaceX Crew Dragon|C204|full=nolink}}, the capsule used in the Demo-1 mission, was destroyed in an explosion during static fire testing at the Landing Zone 1 facility.{{cite tweet |last1=Bridenstine|first1=Jim|user=JimBridenstine|number=1119754804258062337|date=20 April 2019|title=NASA has been notified about the results of the @SpaceX Static Fire Test and the anomaly that occurred during the final test. We will work closely to ensure we safely move forward with our Commercial Crew Program.|access-date=21 April 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-crew-dragon-spaceship-test-explosion-2019-5|title=SpaceX confirmed that its Crew Dragon spaceship for NASA was 'destroyed' by a recent test. Here's what we learned about the explosive failure.|last=Mosher |first=Dave|work=Business Insider|access-date=6 May 2019|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507103434/https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-crew-dragon-spaceship-test-explosion-2019-5|url-status=live}} On the day of the explosion, the initial testing of the Crew Dragon's Draco thrusters was successful, with the anomaly occurring during the test of the SuperDraco abort system.{{cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|title=Update: In-Flight Abort Static Fire Test Anomaly Investigation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413005920/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|archive-date=13 April 2020 |last=Shanklin|first=Emily|date=15 July 2019|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=18 July 2019}}

Telemetry, high-speed camera footage, and analysis of recovered debris indicate the problem occurred when a small amount of dinitrogen tetroxide leaked into a helium line used to pressurize the propellant tanks. The leakage apparently occurred during pre-test processing. As a result, the pressurization of the system 100 ms before firing damaged a check valve and resulted in the explosion.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/|title=Explosion that destroyed SpaceX Crew Dragon is blamed on leaking valve|archive-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716024855/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/ |url-status=live|first=Harwood |last=William|work=CBS News|date=15 July 2020|access-date=16 July 2019}}

SpaceX modified the Dragon 2 replacing check valves with burst discs, which are designed for single use, and the adding of flaps to each SuperDraco to seal the thrusters prior to splashdown, preventing water intrusion.{{cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=14 November 2019 |title=SpaceX fires up redesigned Crew Dragon as NASA reveals SuperDraco thruster 'flaps' |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-fires-redesigned-crew-dragon-superdraco-flaps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116151800/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-fires-redesigned-crew-dragon-superdraco-flaps/ |archive-date=16 November 2019 |access-date=16 November 2019 |work=Teslarati}} The SuperDraco engine test was repeated on 13 November 2019 with {{ComV|SpaceX Crew Dragon|C205|full=nolink}}. The test was successful, showing that the modifications made to the vehicle were successful.{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/13/spacex-fires-up-crew-dragon-thrusters-in-key-test-after-april-explosion/|title=SpaceX fires up Crew Dragon thrusters in key test after April explosion|work=Spaceflight Now|first=Stephen|last=Clark|date=13 November 2019|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606132003/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/13/spacex-fires-up-crew-dragon-thrusters-in-key-test-after-april-explosion/ |url-status=live}}

Since the destroyed capsule had been slated for use in the upcoming in-flight abort test, the explosion and investigation delayed that test and the subsequent crewed orbital test.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Eric M. |date=18 June 2019 |title=NASA boss says no doubt SpaceX explosion delays flight program |url=https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/world/nasa-boss-says-no-doubt-spacex-explosion-delays-flight-program-323465/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618101321/https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/world/nasa-boss-says-no-doubt-spacex-explosion-delays-flight-program-323465/ |archive-date=18 June 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019 |work=Journal Pioneer}}

{{Main|Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test}}

File:KSC-20200119-PH-AWG04 0008.jpg

The Crew Dragon in-flight abort test was launched on 19 January 2020 at 15:30 UTC from LC-39A on a suborbital trajectory to conduct a separation and abort scenario in the troposphere at transonic velocities shortly after passing through max Q, where the vehicle experiences maximum aerodynamic pressure. The Dragon 2 used its SuperDraco abort engines to push itself away from the Falcon 9 after an intentional premature engine cutoff, after which the Falcon was destroyed by aerodynamic forces. The Dragon followed its suborbital trajectory to apogee, at which point the spacecraft's trunk was jettisoned. The smaller Draco engines were then used to orient the vehicle for the descent. All major functions were executed, including separation, engine firings, parachute deployment, and landing.

Dragon 2 splashed down at 15:38:54 UTC just off the Florida coast in the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|title=NASA, SpaceX Complete Final Major Flight Test of Crew Spacecraft|first=Karen|last=Northon|date=19 January 2020|publisher=NASA|access-date=3 June 2020|archive-date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123115852/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} The test objective was to demonstrate the ability to safely move away from the ascending rocket under the most challenging atmospheric conditions of the flight trajectory, imposing the worst structural stress of a real flight on the rocket and spacecraft. The abort test was performed using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket with a fully fueled second stage with a mass simulator replacing the Merlin engine.{{cite news |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/second-spacex-crew-flight-ordered-nasa/|title=Second SpaceX Crew Flight Ordered by NASA|work=Spaceflight Insider |first=Derek|last=Richardson|date=30 July 2016|access-date=9 August 2016|quote=Currently, the first uncrewed test of the spacecraft is expected to launch in May 2017. Sometime after that, SpaceX plans to conduct an in-flight abort to test the SuperDraco thrusters while the rocket is traveling through the area of maximum dynamic pressure – Max Q.|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806174828/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/second-spacex-crew-flight-ordered-nasa/|url-status=live}}

Earlier, this test had been scheduled before the uncrewed orbital test,{{cite news|last=Foust|first=Jeff|url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year|work=SpaceNews|date=4 February 2016|quote=Shotwell said the company is planning an in-flight abort test of the Crew Dragon spacecraft before the end of this year, where the vehicle uses its thrusters to separate from a Falcon 9 rocket during ascent. That will be followed in 2017 by two demonstration flights to the International Space Station, the first without a crew and the second with astronauts on board, and then the first operational mission.|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=9 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|url-status=live}} however, SpaceX and NASA considered it safer to use a flight representative capsule rather than the test article from the pad abort test.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/more-fidelity-for-spacex-in-flight-abort-reduces-risk/|title=More Fidelity for SpaceX In-Flight Abort Reduces Risk|last=Siceloff|first=Steven|date=1 July 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=19 June 2016|quote=In the updated plan, SpaceX would launch its uncrewed flight test (DM-1), refurbish the flight test vehicle, then conduct the in-flight abort test prior to the crew flight test. Using the same vehicle for the in-flight abort test will improve the realism of the ascent abort test and reduce risk.|archive-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616202356/http://www.nasa.gov/feature/more-fidelity-for-spacex-in-flight-abort-reduces-risk/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}

This test was previously planned to use the capsule C204 from Demo-1, however, C204 was destroyed in an explosion during a static fire testing on 20 April 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|title=Update: In-Flight Abort Static Fire Test Anomaly Investigation|last=Shanklin|first=Emily|date=15 July 2019 |publisher=SpaceX|access-date=26 January 2020|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715213628/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|url-status=live}} Capsule C205, originally planned for Demo-2 was used for the In-Flight Abort Test{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/|title=SpaceX conducts successful Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test|date=17 January 2020|website=NASA Spaceflight|access-date=26 January 2020|archive-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525051635/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/|url-status=live}} with C206 being planned for use during Demo-2. This was the final flight test of the spacecraft before it began carrying astronauts to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Prior to the flight test, teams completed launch day procedures for the first crewed flight test, from suit-up to launch pad operations. The joint teams conducted full data reviews that needed to be completed prior to NASA astronauts flying on the system during SpaceX's Demo-2 mission.{{cite web|last1=Northon|first1=Karen|title=NASA, SpaceX Complete Final Major Flight Test of Crew Spacecraft|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|publisher=NASA|access-date=26 January 2020|date=19 January 2020|archive-date=25 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125045217/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}

{{Main|Crew Dragon Demo-2}}

File:The SpaceX Crew Dragon as it approached the International Space Station (iss063e021563).jpgOn 17 April 2020, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced the first crewed Crew Dragon Demo-2 to the International Space Station would launch on 27 May 2020.{{cite tweet|last=Bridenstine |first=Jim|user=JimBridenstine|number=1251178705633841167|date=17 April 2020|title=BREAKING: On May 27, @NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil! With our @SpaceX partners, @Astro_Doug and @AstroBehnken will launch to the @Space_Station on the #CrewDragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Let's #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/RINb3mfRWI|access-date=17 April 2020}} {{PD-notice}} Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley crewed the mission, marking the first crewed launch to the International Space Station from U.S. soil since STS-135 in July 2011. The original launch was postponed to 30 May 2020 due to weather conditions at the launch site.{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1265739654810091520|date=27 May 2020|title=Standing down from launch today due to unfavorable weather in the flight path. Our next launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30 at 19:22 UTC|access-date=27 May 2020}} The second launch attempt was successful, with capsule C206, later named Endeavour by the crew, launching on 30 May 2020 19:22 UTC.{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1266812530833240064|date=30 May 2020|title=Liftoff! |access-date=31 May 2020}}{{cite tweet|user=elonmusk|number=1266890648587776003|date=30 May 2020|title=Dragonship Endeavor}} The capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station on 31 May 2020 at 14:27 UTC.{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1267098143805435904|date=31 May 2020|title=Docking confirmed – Crew Dragon has arrived at the @space_station!|access-date=31 May 2020}}{{Cite web |title=SpaceX's historic Demo-2 delivers NASA astronauts to ISS |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/spacexs-historic-demo-2-delivers-nasa-astronauts-to-iss/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=CNET |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bartels |first=Meghan (last update) |date=2020-05-31 |title=SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon with astronauts docks at space station in historic rendezvous |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-demo-2-docking-success.html |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Space.com |language=en}} On 2 August 2020, Crew Dragon undocked and splashed-down successfully in the Atlantic Ocean. Launching in the Dragon 2 spacecraft was described by astronaut Bob Behnken as "smooth off the pad" but "we were definitely driving and riding a dragon all the way up ... a little bit less g's [than the Space Shuttle] but more 'alive' is probably the best way I would describe it"."We were surprised a little bit at how smooth things were off the pad ... and our expectation was as we continued with the flight into second stage that things would basically get a lot smoother than the Space Shuttle did, but Dragon was huffing and puffing all the way into orbit, and we were definitely driving and riding a dragon all the way up, and so it was not quite the same ride, the smooth ride as the Space Shuttle was up to MECO. A little bit less g's but a little bit more 'alive' is probably the best way I would describe it". {{cite AV media|title=NASA Astronauts Arrive at the International Space Station on SpaceX Spacecraft|date=31 May 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyNl87mXOkc|access-date=31 May 2020|time=03:46:02}}File:SpaceX Demo-2 Landing (NHQ202008020028).jpg

Regarding descent in the spacecraft, Behnken stated, "Once we descended a little bit into the atmosphere, Dragon really came alive. It started to fire thrusters and keep us pointed in the appropriate direction. The atmosphere starts to make noise—you can hear that rumble outside the vehicle. And as the vehicle tries to control, you feel a little bit of that shimmy in your body. ... We could feel those small rolls and pitches and yaws—all those little motions were things we picked up on inside the vehicle. ... All the separation events, from the trunk separation through the parachute firings, were very much like getting hit in the back of the chair with a baseball bat ... pretty light for the trunk separation but with the parachutes it was a pretty significant jolt".{{cite news |work=BBC News |title=SpaceX: Nasa crew describe rumbles and jolts of return to Earth |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53658837 |first=Paul |last=Rincon |date=4 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805021702/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53658837|archive-date=5 August 2020}}

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{{Sticky header}}

List includes only completed or currently manifested missions. Dates are listed in UTC, and for future events, they are the earliest possible opportunities (also known as {{Abbr|NET|no earlier than}} dates) and may change.

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Crew Dragon has flown twelve missions for NASA under its CCDev and CCP programs and, six privately funded crewed missions. Cargo Dragon has flown twelve cargo missions for NASA. For brevity, the Demo-1 mission is not shown.

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{{Portal|Spaceflight}}

• Comparison of crewed space vehicles
• Comparison of space station cargo vehicles
• List of crewed spacecraft
• Crew Dragon Launch Abort System
• {{Annotated link|Private spaceflight}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|refs=

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{{Commons category}}

• [https://uphere.space/satellites/45623 Real-time orbital tracking] – [https://uphere.space/ uphere.space]
• [https://isstracker.pl/?satId=45623 Real-time orbital tracking] – [https://isstracker.pl/ isstracker.pl]

{{Dragon spaceflights}}

{{SpaceX}}

{{Crewed spacecraft}}

{{Cargo spacecraft}}

{{Manned ISS flights}}

{{Uncrewed ISS flights}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragon (spacecraft)}}

Category:SpaceX spacecraft

Category:Crewed spacecraft

Category:Vehicles introduced in 2019

Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station

Category:Reusable spacecraft

Category:SpaceX related lists