SpaceX Dragon, Carrier of Humans and Cargo to Outer space, developed by SpaceX, an American private space transportation company.
Dhaliya Nazreen
SpaceX Headquarters in December 2017 | credits: Wikipedia
SpaceX Dragon also known as Dragon 1 or Cargo Dragon was a class reusable cargo spacecraft developed by SpaceX, an American private space transportation company. Dragon 1 was launched to orbit using Falcon 9 as the launching vehicle. SpaceX Dragon 2 replaced the former. It made its maiden flight in December 2010 and it becomes the first commercially built and operated spacecraft that recovered successfully to the orbit. SpaceX Dragon 1 was initially assigned to the purpose of the team operation of cargo variants. On May 25, 2012 it had successfully attached to International Space Station (ISS) for exchanging cargo for the first time.
SpaceX advanced its cargo spacecraft to pass anger spacecraft called SpaceX Dragon 2, which can carry 7 people to and from Earth a bit and beyond along with their cargo. More over it is the only currently available spacecraft the frequently exchange the cargo and also it is the first private spacecraft that transport humans to space station. SpaceX Dragon 2 have 2 variants Crew Dragon and Cargo Dragon for transporting astronauts and cargo to outer space. This spacecraft reached outer space via Falcon 9 Block 5 and return via ocean splash down. Unlike Dragon 1 this spacecraft can autonomously dock to ISS instead of being berthed. Crew Dragon 2 is also expected to be used in flights by American space tourism company space adventures to shuttle space tourist.
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Overview of Dragon
- Dimension
Height: 8.1 m (27 ft) (with trunk)
Side wall angle: 15°
- Capsule volume: 9.3 m3/ 328 ft3
- Trunk Volume: 37 m3/ 1300 ft3
- Launch Payload Mass: 6000 kg
- Return Payload Mass: 3000 kg
a) Mission Earth Orbit: This gives an experience to enjoy Earth from over 300 km.
b) Mission Space Station: Transporting human to orbiting laboratory of sky.
c) Mission Moon
d) Mission Mars and Beyond
Dragon 2 is a partially reusable, potentially resulting in a significant cost of reduction. Cargo Dragon can carry around 3307 kg (7291 lb) to ISS and have a capacity of 7 astronaut. Splash down can be accomplished by 4 main parachute in both variants. The parachutes are fully designed from Dragon 1 capsule.
Crew Dragon have eight side mounted Super Drago engine provide Sault-tolerant propulsion for Dragon's launch escape system. The 8 Super Drago engines can power Dragon half a mile from the launch vehicle in less than 8 seconds.