Report: SpaceX may conduct critical Crew Dragon test next week – the first since an explosion

SpaceX will conduct ‘critical’ Crew Dragon test next week – the first since a catastrophic explosion earlier this year

  • The Crew Dragon capsule may be gearing up for its next big safety test
  • CNBC reports that SpaceX may conduct a static fire test on November 2
  • This would mark the first major test since an explosion in April
  • CEO Elon Musk says the capsule could be cleared for passengers by December 

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule designed to shuttle NASA astronauts to the International Space Station may soon undergo its biggest text since exploding in April.

According to a report from CNBC, the company may conduct a static fire test as soon as next week – November 2 – out of NASA’s Cap Canaveral station in Florida.

A static fire involves testing a rockets powerful propulsion system without actually lifting the craft off the ground. They’re designed to simulate conditions of a real lift-off. 

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule may soon undergo its first big safety test since an explosion destroyed the pod in April 

For both SpaceX  and NASA, which the company is developing the craft for, the test will mark a significant step after an explosion during tests of Crew Dragon in April that engulfed the capsule in fire and smoke.

The hitch, caused by a leaking component, destroyed the capsule and has contributed to SpaceX’s delayed timeline for Crew Dragon.

Those delays recently caught the ire of NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine who held a joint conference with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk after maligning the company on Twitter. 

‘I have been focused on returning to realism when it comes to costs and schedules,’ said the NASA Administrator. 

‘So I was signaling – and I haven’t done it just to SpaceX but to all of our contractors – that we need more realism built into the development timelines.’ 

Despite the set backs, Musk says Crew Dragon could be cleared to bring its first passengers into space as soon as December.

SpaceX is among the companies looking to pave the way for commercial space flight with its Crew Dragon capsule (the pod rendered at the bottom of the picture) that can fit seven passengers

SpaceX is among the companies looking to pave the way for commercial space flight with its Crew Dragon capsule (the pod rendered at the bottom of the picture) that can fit seven passengers 

In a tweet this month, Musk said that the both the Crew Dragon capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket designed to propel it into space are on pace to finish testing in the next 10 weeks.

‘For what it’s worth, the SpaceX schedule, which I’ve just reviewed in depth, shows Falcon & Dragon at the Cape & all testing done in ~10 weeks,’ wrote Musk in a tweet.  

The last hurtle before being approved for human flight will be a critical launch trial in which the Crew Dragon’s In-Flight Abort functions are tested. 

During this test, the craft is launched into high-altitude and is tasked with aborting the capsule during high-velocity, which is the most stressful point of the launch.  

WHAT IS SPACEX’ CREW DRAGON CAPSULE?

The March 2 test, the first launch of U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil in eight years, will inform the system design and operations (Artist's impression)

The March 2 test, the first launch of U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil in eight years, will inform the system design and operations (Artist’s impression)

The capsule measures about 20 feet tall by 12 feet in diameter, and will carry up to 7 astronauts at a time. 

The Crew Dragon features an advanced emergency escape system (which was tested earlier this year) to swiftly carry astronauts to safety if something were to go wrong, experiencing about the same G-forces as a ride at Disneyland. 

It also has an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that provides a comfortable and safe environment for crew members. 

Crew Dragon’s displays will provide real-time information on the state of the spacecraft’s capabilities, showing everything from Dragon’s position in space, to possible destinations, to the environment on board.  

Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use ‘propulsive’ landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. 

 That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk