SpaceX successfully tests Dragon abort system
Posted: Fri, May 8, 2015, 7:48 PM ET (2348 GMT)
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft performed a pad abort test Wednesday in Florida, successfully demonstrating its ability to escape in an emergency. The Dragon, seated on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40, fired its eight SuperDraco engines for about six seconds at 9:00 am EDT (1300 GMT) Wednesday. The thrusters sent the spacecraft to a peak altitude of more than one kilometer, splashing down just offshore in the Atlantic about 99 seconds later. The company declared the test a success, although one of the thrusters appeared to underperform, shortening the flight by several seconds. The test demonstrates the ability of the Dragon to escape its launch vehicle in an emergency; SpaceX also plans to use those thrusters for future propulsive landings of the spacecraft. An in-flight abort test, where the Dragon separates from a Falcon 9 after liftoff, is planned for later this year.
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft performed a pad abort test Wednesday in Florida, successfully demonstrating its ability to escape in an emergency. The Dragon, seated on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40, fired its eight SuperDraco engines for about six seconds at 9:00 am EDT (1300 GMT) Wednesday. The thrusters sent the spacecraft to a peak altitude of more than one kilometer, splashing down just offshore in the Atlantic about 99 seconds later. The company declared the test a success, although one of the thrusters appeared to underperform, shortening the flight by several seconds. The test demonstrates the ability of the Dragon to escape its launch vehicle in an emergency; SpaceX also plans to use those thrusters for future propulsive landings of the spacecraft. An in-flight abort test, where the Dragon separates from a Falcon 9 after liftoff, is planned for later this year.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, September 13
SpaceX, Northrop Grumman to launch supplies to ISS
Spectrum News — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) Cornell-led space tech startup acquired by Pasteur Labs
Cornell Univ. — 5:51 am ET (0951 GMT) How China Is Transforming Space Power
The Diplomat — 5:46 am ET (0946 GMT) Two billionaires have very different — and equally wild — visions of a future in space. Is either possible?
CNN — 5:43 am ET (0943 GMT) Rare photos show 'deeply personal' moments in space
BBC — 5:36 am ET (0936 GMT) |
