SpaceX recently took another critical next step towards the development of an American alternative to the Russian Soyuz with the December 13th 2010 submission of a proposal to NASA’s Commercial Crew Development Program (CCDev2) to begin work on preparing Dragon to carry astronauts, [Full SpaceX promo video].
The primary focus of the SpaceX CCDev2 proposal is the launch abort system. SpaceX is seeking to implement the crew-related elements of Dragon’s design with specific hardware milestones, including: initial design of abort engine and crew accommodations; static fire testing of the launch abort system engines; and prototype evaluations by NASA crew for seats, control panels and cabin.
SpaceX has proposed an integrated launch abort system design, thereby reducing cost since the escape system returns with the spacecraft. In addition thereto, such a system enables superior landing capabilities since the escape engines can potentially be used for a precise land landing of Dragon under rocket power with an emergency chute retained as a backup system for maximum safety.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dragon Capsule to Land on Real Estate
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