- SpaceX becomes the first company to launch a NASA resupply mission on a previously flown rocket. - Mission CRS-13 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force station in Florida. - It is the fourth time this year SpaceX launched with what it says is a "flight proven" booster.
This is a project to watch!
Courtesy: SpaceX official Site 17.12.17
Dragon is a free-flying spacecraft designed to deliver both cargo and people to orbiting destinations. Dragon made history in 2012 when it became the first commercial spacecraft in history to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and safely return cargo to Earth, a feat previously achieved only by governments. It is the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth. Currently Dragon carries cargo to space, but it was designed from the beginning to carry humans. Under an agreement with NASA, SpaceX is now developing the refinements that will enable Dragon to fly crew. Dragon's first manned test flight is expected to take place as early as 2018.
: 6,000kg13,228 lbs
: 25m3883 ft3 Pressurized Section: The pressurized section of the spacecraft, also referred to as the capsule, is designed to carry both cargo and humans into space. Towards the base of the capsule but outside the pressurized structure are the Draco thrusters, Dragon's guidance navigation and control (GNC) bay and Dragon's advanced heat shield.
: 11m3388 ft3
Trunk
Dragon's trunk supports the spacecraft during ascent to space, carries unpressurized cargo and houses Dragons solar arrays. The trunk and solar arrays remain attached to Dragon until shortly before reentry to Earth's atmosphere, when they are jettisoned.
Trunk Payload Volume: 14m3494 ft3
Fig. 2
Schematic of the available space for payload in the trunk.
Fig. 1
Schematic of the available space for payload in the pressurized section.
Total Return Payload Mass: 3,000kg6,614 lbs Total Return Payload volume: 11m3388 ft3
