Crew Dragon Launch Abort System
Crew Dragon prototype DragonFly performing a pad abort demonstration. | |
| Manufacturer | SpaceX |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Operational |
| Crew Dragon Launch Abort System | |
| Powered by | 8 × SuperDraco (4 × pairs of 2) |
| Maximum thrust | 71 kN |
| Burn time | 25 seconds |
| Propellant | N2O4 / CH6N2 |
The Crew Dragon Launch Abort System is designed to propel the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft away from a failing launch vehicle. It is equipped with 8 SuperDraco engines, each capable of generating 71 kN of thrust.
The abort system has several modes, or procedures for performing an abort in different phases of flight, including a pad abort, an in-flight abort, and the ability to use the abort system to fly into a lower than expected orbit should a failure occur late in flight.