A lot is going on up in space, and for once it’s not about aliens. SpaceX development now has a capsule capable of carrying crewmembers into space. In 2002, SpaceX began producing rockets and cargo carriers to take supplies and equipment to the International Space Station (ISS) and now SpaceX launches Crew Dragon that has the capability of carrying humans into space. SpaceX has revolutionized technology and its goal is to make it possible for people to live on other planets.
SpaceX Crew Dragon Making Debut
The Dragon spacecraft will have the capabilities to not only deliver cargo, but people as well. Currently, the US and other countries have had to rely on Russian rockets to take people and supplies into space and to the ISS. SpaceX, with the development of the Dragon spacecraft is working to allow the US to utilize their own craft for such missions. In 2012, Dragon made history for the first time, as it became the first commercial spacecraft in history to both deliver cargo to the ISS and return it back to Earth. So far, SpaceX launches Crew Dragon with the goal of sending astronauts into space and returning them safely home to Earth.
First Test Toward Manned Flight
Before SpaceX launches Crew Dragon filled with humans, it is being tested and tested again. The first test is set for Wednesday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Dragon will undergo a “pad abort” test that is highly critical. This trial will show how Dragon responds to a problem if it were to occur during its launching sequence.
If everything goes as planned, Crew Dragon’s thrusters will kick on and lift the crew capsule away from the launch pad rockets. Inside the Crew Dragon, a crash test dummy will sit so data can be obtained from it. Everything will be almost identical to the real thing when it comes time for when SpaceX launches Crew Dragon for the first time. This Crew Dragon features a capsule capable of carrying seven crew members. The Crew Dragon is equipped with eight Draco thrusters, which will provide the thrust and lift to launch the crew capsule up and away from the rocket. This test flight is only going up to show the escape capability and then splash down into the Atlantic. Future plans are for the Draco thrusters to be used for soft landings on the ground.
In September, SpaceX was awarded $2.6 billion from NASA to get Dragon ready to launch astronauts into space. NASA hopes everything will be up and running in 2017. Until then, NASA will have to keep relying on Russian Soyuz vehicles to transport astronauts, costing them a whopping $70 million per seat as far as the last contract reads. When SpaceX launches Crew Dragon, it won’t only save the US a lot of money, but pride in our ability to rely on ourselves for space missions.
