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SpaceX SuperDraco abort / landing thrusters

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  • SpaceX SuperDraco abort / landing thrusters

    SuperDraco is the launch abort and propulsive landing thruster to be used in the SpaceX Dragon 2 (DragonRider) spacecraft. Dragon 2 will have 8 SuperDracos, each one 1.5x as powerful as the Apollo Lunar Module landing engine.

    Dragon 2 with integrated SuperDraco's is scheduled for an abort from launch pad test in December 2013. This is an abort capability the Shuttle never had. A few months later (~Q2 2014) a mid-flight high dynamic pressure (Max-Q) launch abort test will be performed. This will set up Dragon 2 for crewed flight tests.

    SuperDraco specs

    Thrust: 15,000 lbf (67,000 Newtons)
    Fuel: mono-methyl hydrazine
    Oxidizer: nitrogen tetroxide
    Propellant delivery: pressurized gas
    Throttle range: 5-100% (unconfirmed)
    Time to 100%: 100 ms
    Specific impulse (ISP): ~300 seconds
    Avionics: 3 string redundant

    Test fire (100% throttle)



    Provisional SuperDraco pods (NASA Admin. Gen. Charles Bolden, USMC Ret.)


    Last edited by Dr Mordrid; 21 May 2013, 23:35.
    Dr. Mordrid
    ----------------------------
    An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

    I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps
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