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{{AFC submission|||u=Titan(moon)003|ns=118|ts=20240925230248}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->

{{AFC comment|1=Notable, and I see additional text has been added, thank you ] (]) 14:03, 27 September 2024 (UTC)}}

{{AFC comment|1=Notable, however I noticed there may be two related articles ] and ], thank you ] (]) 14:03, 26 September 2024 (UTC)}}

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{{Short description|The launch escape system of the crew dragon capsule}} {{Short description|The launch escape system of the crew dragon capsule}}
{{Draft topics|transportation|space|technology}}
{{AfC topic|other}}


{{Infobox rocket stage|name=Crew Dragon Launch Abort System|manufacturer=SpaceX|country=United States|status=Operational|engines=8 * SuperDraco|thrust=71 kN|time=25 seconds|fuel=NTO/MMH|image=Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test (16814592054).jpg|caption=Crew Dragon prototype DragonFly performing a pad abort demonstration.}} {{Infobox rocket stage|name=Crew Dragon Launch Abort System|manufacturer=]|country=]|status=Operational|engines=8 × ] (4 × pairs of 2)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rauf |first=Jim |date=2023-10-19 |title=SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft |url=https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/cont-ed-62/olli/fall-23-class-handouts/SpaceX%205Dragon%20Capsules.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819152114/https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/cont-ed-62/olli/fall-23-class-handouts/SpaceX%205Dragon%20Capsules.pdf |archive-date=2024-08-19 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=uc.edu}}</ref>|thrust=71 ]|time=25 seconds|fuel={{chem2|N2O4|link=Dinitrogen tetroxide}} / {{chem2|CH6N2|link=Monomethylhydrazine}}|image=Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test (16814592054).jpg|caption=Crew Dragon prototype ]<ref>{{Cite News |date=2014-05-21 |title=Elon Musk's SpaceX Plans DragonFly Landing Tests |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/elon-musks-spacex-plans-dragonfly-landing-tests-n111386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820202210/https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/elon-musks-spacex-plans-dragonfly-landing-tests-n111386 |archive-date=2024-08-20 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> performing a pad abort demonstration.}}


'''The Crew Dragon Launch Abort System''' is a propulsive device designed to accelerate the ] ] away from a failing rocket. It is equipped with 8 ] engines capable of generating 71 ] of thrust.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=SpaceX Dragon Overview |url=https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon/ |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=spacex.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2016-04-30 |title=From zero to 100mph in 1.2 seconds, the SuperDraco thruster delivers |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/meet-spacexs-superdraco-thruster-the-key-to-landing-a-dragon-on-mars/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> The '''Crew Dragon Launch Abort System''' is designed to propel the ] away from a failing launch vehicle. It is equipped with 8 ] engines, each capable of generating 71 ] of thrust.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=SpaceX |title=SpaceX Dragon Overview |url=https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930203607/https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon/ |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=SpaceX.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite News|last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2016-04-30 |title=From zero to 100mph in 1.2 seconds, the SuperDraco thruster delivers |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/meet-spacexs-superdraco-thruster-the-key-to-landing-a-dragon-on-mars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926003158/https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/meet-spacexs-superdraco-thruster-the-key-to-landing-a-dragon-on-mars/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref>


The abort system has several modes, or procedures for performing an abort in different phases of flight, including a pad abort, an in-flight abort, and the ability to use the abort system to fly into a lower than expected orbit should a failure occur late in flight. The abort system has several modes, or procedures for performing an abort in different phases of flight, including a pad abort, an in-flight abort, and the ability to use the abort system to fly into a lower than expected orbit should a failure occur late in flight.

⚫ Recovery zones are placed along the 51.64 degree ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Space Station - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/reference/international-space-station/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> of the ], and can be targeted with higher levels of precision than spacecraft such as ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Daniel L. |title=Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) {{!}} Propulsion on Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150002697/downloads/20150002697.pdf |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=ntrs.nasa.gov}}</ref> and ] due to the throttling abilities of the ] engines. The recovery areas for a 2a abort are along the East Coast of the ] and the ], with a 2b abort landing the Crew Dragon capsule near ] and the 2c and 2d abort modes resulting in a landing in ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2020-05-21 |title=Examining Crew Dragon's launch abort modes and splashdown locations |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/05/examining-crew-dragons-launch-abort-modes-and-splashdown-locations/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 1a and 1b aborts result in landings near the ].


__TOC__ __TOC__

== Design == == Design ==
]
]'' during the ].]] ]'' during the ].]]
Traditionally, spacecraft like ] and ] have utilized ] "puller" launch escape systems, with the main spacecraft beneath a protective fairing attached to the escape system. Once in space, the escape system and the fairing are jettisoned, with the spacecraft's mode of abort switched to using its orbital maneuvering thrusters or upper stages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Michael G. |title=THE MAX LAUNCH ABORT SYSTEM – CONCEPT, FLIGHT TEST, AND EVOLUTION |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150000590/downloads/20150000590.pdf |access-date=2024-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanneke Weitering |date=2019-04-24 |title=The Emergency Launch Abort Systems of SpaceX and Boeing Explained |url=https://www.space.com/launch-abort-systems-of-spacex-boeing.html |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> Crew Dragon, however, has its abort system permanently attached to the sides of the spacecraft.<ref name=":0" /> Traditionally, spacecraft like ] and ] have utilized ] "puller" launch escape systems, with the main spacecraft beneath a protective fairing attached to the escape system. Once in space, the escape system and the fairing are jettisoned, with the spacecraft's mode of abort switched to using its orbital maneuvering thrusters or upper stages.<ref>{{Cite Paper|last=Gilbert |first=Michael G. |date=2015-01-09 |title=THE MAX LAUNCH ABORT SYSTEM – CONCEPT, FLIGHT TEST, AND EVOLUTION |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150000590/downloads/20150000590.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930220430/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150000590/downloads/20150000590.pdf |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA Technical Reports Server |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite News|last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |date=2019-04-24 |title=The Emergency Launch Abort Systems of SpaceX and Boeing Explained |url=https://www.space.com/launch-abort-systems-of-spacex-boeing.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926003158/https://www.space.com/launch-abort-systems-of-spacex-boeing.html |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> Crew Dragon, however, has its abort system permanently attached to the sides of the spacecraft.<ref name=":0" />


Part of the reasoning behind this design is that it was originally planned to land dragon propulsively using the launch abort system.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Karcz |last2=Davis |last3=Aftosmis |last4=Allen |last5=Bakhtian |last6=Dyakanov |last7=Glass |last8=Gonzales |last9=Heldmann |last10=Lemke |last11=Marinova |last12=McKay |last13=Stoker |last14=Wooster |last15=Zarchi |title=RED DRAGON: LOW-COST ACCESS TO THE SURFACE OF MARS USING COMMERCIAL CAPABILITIES |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20120013431/downloads/20120013431.pdf |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=ntrs.nasa.gov}}</ref> (These plans were dropped after skepticism from ] and the cancellation of SpaceX's ] capsule.)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2017-07-19 |title=SpaceX drops plans for powered Dragon landings |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-drops-plans-for-powered-dragon-landings/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, the ability to keep the abort system attached to the rocket throughout the entire ascent rather than jettisoning the launch escape system after stage separation allows for an abort capability in all stages of flight, increasing crew safety.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=2020-05-27 |title=SpaceX Crew Dragon abort system a major boost for crew safety - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-nasa-launch-abort-rescue-scenarios/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Part of the reasoning behind this design is that it was originally planned to land dragon propulsively using the launch abort system.<ref>{{Cite Paper|last=Karcz |last2=Davis |last3=Aftosmis |last4=Allen |last5=Bakhtian |last6=Dyakanov |last7=Glass |last8=Gonzales |last9=Heldmann |last10=Lemke |last11=Marinova |last12=McKay |last13=Stoker |last14=Wooster |last15=Zarchi |date=2012-05-10 |title=RED DRAGON: LOW-COST ACCESS TO THE SURFACE OF MARS USING COMMERCIAL CAPABILITIES |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20120013431/downloads/20120013431.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521011014/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20120013431/downloads/20120013431.pdf |archive-date=2024-05-21 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA Technical Reports Server}}</ref> These plans were dropped after skepticism from ] and the cancellation of ]'s ] capsule.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2017-07-19 |title=SpaceX drops plans for powered Dragon landings |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-drops-plans-for-powered-dragon-landings/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the capability was introduced on Crew-8, though only in the event of a parachute failure.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2024-09-28 |title=SpaceX launches mission to bring Starliner astronauts back to Earth |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/09/spacex-set-to-launch-mission-to-bring-starliner-astronauts-back-to-earth/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, the ability to keep the abort system attached to the rocket throughout the entire ascent rather than jettisoning the launch escape system after stage separation allows for an abort capability in all stages of flight, increasing crew safety.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Harwood |first=William |date=2020-05-27 |title=SpaceX Crew Dragon abort system a major boost for crew safety - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-nasa-launch-abort-rescue-scenarios/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930224608/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-nasa-launch-abort-rescue-scenarios/ |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


Crew Dragon's "trunk", or cargo bay, also plays an important role in the abort sequence. Rather than leaving the trunk with the rocket like ] or ], Dragon keeps the trunk attached during an abort for aerodynamic stability.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SpaceX Crew Dragon - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/the-spacex-crew-dragon/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> Crew Dragon's "trunk", or cargo bay, also plays an important role in the abort sequence. Rather than leaving the trunk with the rocket like ] or ], Dragon keeps the trunk attached during an abort for aerodynamic stability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Gary |last2=Reed |first2=Benji |date=2019-09-27 |title=The SpaceX Crew Dragon - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/the-spacex-crew-dragon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927053240/https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/the-spacex-crew-dragon/ |archive-date=2024-09-27 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA - Houston, we have a podcast |language=en-US}}</ref>


== History == == History ==


=== Pad Explosion === === Pad Explosion ===
On 20 April 2019, ] was destroyed in an incident while testing its ] engines. A video leaked shortly the incident after shows the capsule exploding on a launch mount.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2019-04-22 |title=Here's what we know, and what we don't, about the Crew Dragon accident |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/04/heres-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-about-the-crew-dragon-accident/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Samantha Mathewson |date=2019-05-01 |title=NASA Workers Warned About Sharing Images After SpaceX Explosion Video Leak: Report |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-nasa-memo.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> ] and ] confirmed the explosion and stated that there were no injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA urges patience as SpaceX investigates the Crew Dragon explosion |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/nasa-urges-patience-as-spacex-investigates-the-crew-dragon-explosion/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> On 20 April 2019, ] was destroyed in an incident while testing its ] engines. A video leaked shortly the incident after shows the capsule exploding on a launch mount.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2019-04-22 |title=Here's what we know, and what we don't, about the Crew Dragon accident |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/04/heres-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-about-the-crew-dragon-accident/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819032640/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/04/heres-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-about-the-crew-dragon-accident/ |archive-date=2024-08-19 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite News|author1=Mathewson |first=Samantha |date=2019-05-01 |title=NASA Workers Warned About Sharing Images After SpaceX Explosion Video Leak: Report |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-nasa-memo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613101133/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-nasa-memo.html |archive-date=2024-06-13 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> ] and ] confirmed the explosion and stated that there were no injuries.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Ryan |first=Jackson |date=2019-04-25 |title=NASA urges patience as SpaceX investigates the Crew Dragon explosion |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/nasa-urges-patience-as-spacex-investigates-the-crew-dragon-explosion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130211317/https://www.cnet.com/science/nasa-urges-patience-as-spacex-investigates-the-crew-dragon-explosion/ |archive-date=2023-11-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>
].]] ].]]
Following an investigation, SpaceX stated that the explosion was the result of a faulty valve. During a nominal ignition sequence, valves keeping helium inside ] are opened, causing the helium to flow through ] into the propellant tanks, pushing the fuel into the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannon |first=James L. |title=Liquid Propulsion: Propellant Feed System Design |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100035254/downloads/20100035254.pdf |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=ntrs.nasa.gov}}</ref> Following an investigation, SpaceX stated that the explosion was the result of a faulty valve. During a nominal ignition sequence, valves keeping helium inside ] are opened, causing the helium to flow through ] into the propellant tanks, pushing the fuel into the ].<ref>{{Cite Paper|last=Cannon |first=James L. |date=2010-10-05 |title=Liquid Propulsion: Propellant Feed System Design |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100035254/downloads/20100035254.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930204424/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100035254/downloads/20100035254.pdf |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA Technical Reports Server}}</ref>
{{See also|Pressure-fed engine}} {{See also|Pressure-fed engine}}
In this incident, however, the one-way oxidizer valve had allowed ] to leak back through the helium tube.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=2019-07-15 |title=SpaceX: Explosion that destroyed Crew Dragon spacecraft in April was caused by leaking valve - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> When the helium valve was opened, the "blobs" of NTO inside the helium line were accelerated at high speeds, slamming into and nearly instantaneously destroying the one-way oxidizer valve. The internal titanium components of the destroyed valve were then exposed to the NTO, resulting in combustion and the loss of the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-15 |title=UPDATE: IN-FLIGHT ABORT STATIC FIRE TEST ANOMALY INVESTIGATION {{!}} SpaceX |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation |access-date=2024-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715213628/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation |archive-date=2019-07-15 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Jeff Foust |date=2019-07-16 |title=SpaceX Says Faulty Valve Led to Crew Dragon Test Accident |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-faulty-valve.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> In this incident, however, the one-way oxidizer valve had allowed ] to leak back through the helium tube.<ref>{{Cite News|last=Harwood |first=William |date=2019-07-15 |title=SpaceX: Explosion that destroyed Crew Dragon spacecraft in April was caused by leaking valve - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225135153/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/ |archive-date=2024-02-25 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> When the helium valve was opened, the "blobs" of NTO inside the helium line were accelerated at high speeds, slamming into and nearly instantaneously destroying the one-way oxidizer valve. The internal titanium components of the destroyed valve were then exposed to the NTO, resulting in combustion and the loss of the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=SpaceX |date=2019-07-15 |title=UPDATE: IN-FLIGHT ABORT STATIC FIRE TEST ANOMALY INVESTIGATION {{!}} SpaceX |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715213628/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation |archive-date=2019-07-15 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=SpaceX.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite News|author1=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2019-07-16 |title=SpaceX Says Faulty Valve Led to Crew Dragon Test Accident |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-faulty-valve.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304011335/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-explosion-faulty-valve.html |archive-date=2024-03-04 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>


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


On 19 January 2020, ] conducted a test of Crew Dragon's launch abort system.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Amy Thompson |date=2020-01-19 |title=SpaceX aces Crew Dragon launch abort test, destroys rocket on purpose |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-launch-abort-test-success.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> After a successful liftoff, the launch abort sequence was initiated 1 minute and 26 seconds into flight. ] successfully separated with the ] rocket, with the rocket breaking up seconds later under the intense aerodynamic forces of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=ScienceAlert |date=2020-01-19 |title=With a Spectacular Explosion, SpaceX's Crew Dragon Just Passed a Crucial Safety Test |url=https://www.sciencealert.com/spacex-s-crew-dragon-just-passed-a-crucial-safety-test-with-a-spectacular-launch |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=ScienceAlert |language=en-US}}</ref> After separating the trunk, Crew Dragon reached an ] of 42 kilometers before splashing down in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Tariq Malik |date=2020-01-19 |title=How SpaceX's Crew Dragon launch abort test today works in 10 not-so-easy steps |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test-step-by-step.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Ian |date=2020-01-17 |title=SpaceX conducts successful Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On 19 January 2020, ] conducted a test of Crew Dragon's launch abort system.<ref>{{Cite News|author1=Thompson |first=Amy |date=2020-01-19 |title=SpaceX aces Crew Dragon launch abort test, destroys rocket on purpose |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-launch-abort-test-success.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728021045/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-launch-abort-test-success.html |archive-date=2024-07-28 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>


After a successful liftoff, the launch abort sequence was initiated 1 minute and 26 seconds into flight. ] successfully separated with the ] rocket, with the rocket breaking up seconds later under the intense aerodynamic forces of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=ScienceAlert |date=2020-01-19 |title=With a Spectacular Explosion, SpaceX's Crew Dragon Just Passed a Crucial Safety Test |url=https://www.sciencealert.com/spacex-s-crew-dragon-just-passed-a-crucial-safety-test-with-a-spectacular-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813041223/https://www.sciencealert.com/spacex-s-crew-dragon-just-passed-a-crucial-safety-test-with-a-spectacular-launch |archive-date=2022-08-13 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ScienceAlert |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫ == Abort Modes ==

After separating the trunk, Crew Dragon reached an ] of 42 kilometers before splashing down in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Malik |first=Tariq |date=2020-01-19 |title=How SpaceX's Crew Dragon launch abort test today works in 10 not-so-easy steps |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test-step-by-step.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616155331/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test-step-by-step.html |archive-date=2024-06-16 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Ian |date=2020-01-17 |title=SpaceX conducts successful Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725001143/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/ |archive-date=2024-07-25 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫ == Abort modes ==
The Crew Dragon has multiple abort modes for different phases of flight, each with its own landing zones and procedures. As the flight progresses, SpaceX ] calls out switches between abort modes. The Crew Dragon has multiple abort modes for different phases of flight, each with its own landing zones and procedures. As the flight progresses, SpaceX ] calls out switches between abort modes.

⚫ For typical launches, recovery zones are placed along the 51.64-degree ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=NASA |title=International Space Station - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/reference/international-space-station/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001193821/https://www.nasa.gov/reference/international-space-station/ |archive-date=2024-10-01 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> of the ], and can be targeted with higher levels of precision than spacecraft such as ]<ref>{{Cite Paper|last=Jones |first=Daniel L. |date=2015-03-03 |title=Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) {{!}} Propulsion on Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150002697/downloads/20150002697.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930153704/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150002697/downloads/20150002697.pdf |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASA Technical Reports Server}}</ref> and ] due to the throttling abilities of the ] engines. The recovery areas for a 2a type abort are along the East Coast of the United States and the ], with a 2b abort landing the Crew Dragon capsule near ] and the 2c and 2d abort modes resulting in a landing in ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2020-05-21 |title=Examining Crew Dragon's launch abort modes and splashdown locations |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/05/examining-crew-dragons-launch-abort-modes-and-splashdown-locations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926005947/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/05/examining-crew-dragons-launch-abort-modes-and-splashdown-locations/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 1a and 1b aborts result in landings near the ].
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|+ |+
!Time !Time
!Phase !Phase
!Recovery Zone<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeSisto |first=Austin |date=2020-05-24 |title=Crew Dragon Launch Day Timeline: From Suit Up to Docking with the ISS |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/crew-dragon-timeline/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> !Recovery zone<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeSisto |first=Austin |date=2020-05-24 |title=Crew Dragon Launch Day Timeline: From Suit Up to Docking with the ISS |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/crew-dragon-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926003159/https://everydayastronaut.com/crew-dragon-timeline/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
|- |-
|T - 37 minutes |''T'' − 37 minutes
|Pad Abort |Pad abort
|Launch abort armed; Recovery zone in ] Coast |Launch abort armed; recovery zone in ] coast
|- |-
|T + 00 minutes, 00 seconds |''T'' + 00 minutes 00 seconds
|Stage 1a |Stage 1a
|Recovery zones from Florida Coast to ] |Recovery zones from Florida coast to ]
|- |-
|T + 01 minutes, 15 seconds |''T'' + 01 minutes 15 seconds
|Stage 1b |Stage 1b
|Recovery zones along ] Coast |Recovery zones along ] coast
|- |-
|T + 02 minutes, 32 seconds |''T'' + 02 minutes 32 seconds
|Stage 2a |Stage 2a
|Stage separation; Recovery zones along North American east coast |Stage separation; recovery zones along North American east coast
|- |-
|T + 08 minutes, 05 seconds |''T'' + 08 minutes 05 seconds
|Stage 2b |Stage 2b
|Retrograde burn to land near ] |Retrograde burn to land near ]
|- |-
|T + 08 minutes, 28 seconds |''T'' + 08 minutes 28 seconds
|Stage 2c |Stage 2c
|Prograde burn to land west of Ireland |Prograde burn to land west of Ireland
|- |-
|T + 08 minutes, 38 seconds |''T'' + 08 minutes 38 seconds
|Stage 2d |Stage 2d
|Retrograde burn to land west of Ireland |Retrograde burn to land west of Ireland
|- |-
|T + 08 minutes, 44 seconds |''T'' + 08 minutes 44 seconds
|Stage 2e |Stage 2e
|Uses ]s and ] to abort to orbit |Uses ]s and ] to abort to orbit
Line 91: Line 87:


== References == == References ==

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Revision as of 18:45, 13 December 2024

The launch escape system of the crew dragon capsule
Crew Dragon Launch Abort System
Crew Dragon prototype DragonFly performing a pad abort demonstration.
ManufacturerSpaceX
Country of originUnited States
Launch history
StatusOperational
Crew Dragon Launch Abort System
Powered by8 × SuperDraco (4 × pairs of 2)
Maximum thrust71 kN
Burn time25 seconds
PropellantN2O4 / CH6N2

The Crew Dragon Launch Abort System is designed to propel the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft away from a failing launch vehicle. It is equipped with 8 SuperDraco engines, each capable of generating 71 kN of thrust.

The abort system has several modes, or procedures for performing an abort in different phases of flight, including a pad abort, an in-flight abort, and the ability to use the abort system to fly into a lower than expected orbit should a failure occur late in flight.

Design

A figure showing the Apollo spacecraft's launch abort system.
A diagram showing the configuration of Crew Dragon Endeavor during the Demo-2 mission.

Traditionally, spacecraft like Apollo and Soyuz have utilized solid-fueled "puller" launch escape systems, with the main spacecraft beneath a protective fairing attached to the escape system. Once in space, the escape system and the fairing are jettisoned, with the spacecraft's mode of abort switched to using its orbital maneuvering thrusters or upper stages. Crew Dragon, however, has its abort system permanently attached to the sides of the spacecraft.

Part of the reasoning behind this design is that it was originally planned to land dragon propulsively using the launch abort system. These plans were dropped after skepticism from NASA and the cancellation of SpaceX's Red Dragon capsule. However, the capability was introduced on Crew-8, though only in the event of a parachute failure. Additionally, the ability to keep the abort system attached to the rocket throughout the entire ascent rather than jettisoning the launch escape system after stage separation allows for an abort capability in all stages of flight, increasing crew safety.

Crew Dragon's "trunk", or cargo bay, also plays an important role in the abort sequence. Rather than leaving the trunk with the rocket like Apollo or Soyuz, Dragon keeps the trunk attached during an abort for aerodynamic stability.

History

Pad Explosion

On 20 April 2019, Crew Dragon C204 was destroyed in an incident while testing its SuperDraco engines. A video leaked shortly the incident after shows the capsule exploding on a launch mount. NASA and SpaceX confirmed the explosion and stated that there were no injuries.

A diagram demonstrating a check valve.

Following an investigation, SpaceX stated that the explosion was the result of a faulty valve. During a nominal ignition sequence, valves keeping helium inside COPVs (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels) are opened, causing the helium to flow through one-way "check" valves into the propellant tanks, pushing the fuel into the combustion chamber.

See also: Pressure-fed engine

In this incident, however, the one-way oxidizer valve had allowed nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) to leak back through the helium tube. When the helium valve was opened, the "blobs" of NTO inside the helium line were accelerated at high speeds, slamming into and nearly instantaneously destroying the one-way oxidizer valve. The internal titanium components of the destroyed valve were then exposed to the NTO, resulting in combustion and the loss of the vehicle.

In-Flight Abort Test

A video of the in-flight abort test.
Main article: Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test

On 19 January 2020, SpaceX conducted a test of Crew Dragon's launch abort system.

After a successful liftoff, the launch abort sequence was initiated 1 minute and 26 seconds into flight. Crew Dragon C205 successfully separated with the Falcon 9 rocket, with the rocket breaking up seconds later under the intense aerodynamic forces of max-q.

After separating the trunk, Crew Dragon reached an apogee of 42 kilometers before splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean.

Abort modes

The Crew Dragon has multiple abort modes for different phases of flight, each with its own landing zones and procedures. As the flight progresses, SpaceX mission control calls out switches between abort modes.

For typical launches, recovery zones are placed along the 51.64-degree inclination of the ISS, and can be targeted with higher levels of precision than spacecraft such as Orion and Shenzhou due to the throttling abilities of the SuperDraco engines. The recovery areas for a 2a type abort are along the East Coast of the United States and the Canadian Maritime provinces, with a 2b abort landing the Crew Dragon capsule near Nova Scotia and the 2c and 2d abort modes resulting in a landing in Western Ireland. 1a and 1b aborts result in landings near the American East Coast.

Time Phase Recovery zone
T − 37 minutes Pad abort Launch abort armed; recovery zone in Florida coast
T + 00 minutes 00 seconds Stage 1a Recovery zones from Florida coast to North Carolina
T + 01 minutes 15 seconds Stage 1b Recovery zones along Virginia coast
T + 02 minutes 32 seconds Stage 2a Stage separation; recovery zones along North American east coast
T + 08 minutes 05 seconds Stage 2b Retrograde burn to land near Nova Scotia
T + 08 minutes 28 seconds Stage 2c Prograde burn to land west of Ireland
T + 08 minutes 38 seconds Stage 2d Retrograde burn to land west of Ireland
T + 08 minutes 44 seconds Stage 2e Uses SuperDracos and Dracos to abort to orbit

See also

References

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