SpaceX Dragon V2 Spacecraft: The next generation ISS Crew spacecraft

Meet SpaceX's Dragon V2 spacecraft, the next generation spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to Earth orbit and beyond.

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX's Crew Dragon will be capable of carrying up to seven crew members, landing under its own propulsion almost anywhere on Earth, and refueling and flying again for rapid reuse.

Dragon was designed from the beginning to carry humans, and the upgraded human-rated vehicle will be one of the safest, most reliable spacecraft ever flown.

The vehicle holds seats for 7 passengers, and includes an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that provides a comfortable environment for crew members.

Crew Dragon’s powerful launch escape system, the first of its kind, will provide escape capability from the time the crew enters the vehicle all the way to orbit.

Should an emergency occur during launch, eight SuperDraco engines built into the side walls of the Dragon spacecraft will produce up to 120,000 pounds of axial thrust to carry astronauts to safety.

This decision builds on SpaceX’s track record of successfully delivering critical cargo and science experiments to the space station for NASA.

The Dragon spacecraft currently resupplies the space station under a $1.6 billion Cargo Resupply Services contract with NASA.

A full press release is available from NASA.