The SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft for Crew and Cargo Transport to LEO
- Paper number
IAC-07-B3.2.04
- Author
Ms. Lauren Fincher, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Steve Davis, SpaceX, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Gwynne Shotwell, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Max Vozoff, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Lawrence Williams, Space Exploration Technologies, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Purpose- As the United States prepares for the Shuttle’s 2010 retirement, the development of a replacement vehicle to provide human and cargo transport to the ISS is a top priority. Since its selection in August 2006 by NASA’s highly competitive COTS program, SpaceX has been working with NASA to develop and demonstrate the Dragon spacecraft’s crew and cargo transport capabilities.
Scope- Tackled from both a business and engineering prospective, the most current information about this exciting and ambitious program is presented, including key elements of the Dragon vehicle: the pressure section, which will house the crew and/or pressurized cargo; the service section, which houses the propulsion system, power, and avionics; the trunk, which will house unpressurized cargo, the solar panels, and thermal radiation units; and the nosecone, which will provide protection to the pressure section during ascent.
Background- The Dragon Capsule, working in conjunction with SpaceX’s man-rated Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle, is capable of delivering 7 crew or 2.5 metric tonnes of cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Through a series of three demonstration flights commencing in the second half of 2008, SpaceX will validate Dragon’s ability to achieve orbit, rendevous, berth, and de-berth from the ISS, perform a successful transfer of cargo, and de-orbit and land safely. NASA also has the option of extending the current agreement to include demonstration of crew transport to and from the ISS.
While based upon a proven “capsule” configuration, Dragon will employ several innovative concepts to achieve a breakthrough in cost and reliability. Additionally, building a common system capable of both cargo and crew transportation provides a number of benefits. All key elements of the system, including the pressure structure, avionics, propulsion, and re-entry and landing systems can be validated repeatedly in actual flight conditions prior to carrying crew. Additionally, the requirements on the launch vehicle are common, greatly simplifying its design and integration. And of course the design and operations costs for Dragon itself are greatly reduced by use of a common system.
Beyond the COTS program, the burgeoning commercial space industry and the advent of Space Tourism provide a number of additional opportunities for utilizing Dragon.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-B3.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.