As part of SpaceX’s plan to develop a human-rated version of the Dragon crew capsule capable of precision powered landings on the ground, the company has revealed first images of propulsive hover tests undertaken in late November at its McGregor, Texas facility.
Testing involved suspending the crewed version of the capsule, now dubbed Dragon 2, from a crane and simultaneously firing the vehicle’s eight SuperDraco engines. The thrusters, distributed in pairs of ‘jet-packs’ around the vehicle, generated 33,000 lb. of power which was sufficient to maintain a hover for around five seconds. The stability of the hover was evident from only the slight motion of the kinked main cable supporting the weight of the Dragon 2 from the top of the crane.
SpaceX says the test was the second of a two-part milestone under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “The first test—a short firing of the engines intended to verify a healthy propulsion system—was completed November 22, and the longer burn two-days later demonstrated vehicle control while hovering,” says the company. The engine system is also designed to power the Dragon’s launch escape system as well as provide a propulsive landing capability.
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