Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

5 ings to Know About SpaceX s Pad Abort Test

04/05/2015

Crew Dragons first critical flight test, known as a Pad Abort Test, is expected to take place this Wednesday, May 6, from SpaceX's Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. While the test is originating from the same launch pad we use for operational missions, this is not an operational flight.

This will be the first flight test of SpaceX's revolutionary new launch abort system, and the odds of encountering delays or issues are high. Fortunately the test doesn't need to be perfect to be valuable-our primary objective is to capture as much data as possible as the data captured here will be key in preparing Crew Dragon for its first human missions in 2017.

1. What is a Pad Abort Test?

A Pad Abort Test is a trial run for a spacecraft's launch abort system (sometimes called a launch escape system). This system is designed to quickly get the crew and spacecraft away from the rocket in the event of a potential failure. It is similar to an ejection seat for a fighter pilot, but instead of ejecting the pilot out of the spacecraft, the entire spacecraft is ejected away from the launch vehicle.

2. How is SpaceX's Launch Abort System different than those of other spacecraft?

Previous launch abort systems have been powered by a rocket tower mounted on top of the spacecraft. During an emergency, the tower would ignite and essentially pull the spacecraft to safety. This works well while the spacecraft is on the launch pad and for a few minutes into ascent, but once the vehicle reaches a certain altitude, the system is no longer useful and must be discarded.

SpaceX's launch abort system, however, is integrated directly into the spacecraft. This means Crew Dragon will have launch escape capability from the launch pad all the way to orbit.

Instead of a separate rocket tower mounted on top of the spacecraft, SpaceX's launch abort system leverages eight SuperDraco rocket engines built into the walls of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The SuperDracos are capable of producing 120,000 lbs of axial thrust in under a second, which results in transporting the Crew Dragon spacecraft nearly 100 meters (328 ft) in 2 seconds, and more than half a kilometer (1/3 mi) in just over 5 seconds.

3. What will the actual Pad Abort Test look like?

The graphic below illustrates the Pad Abort Test trajectory and sequence of events:

T-0: The eight SuperDracos ignite simultaneously and reach maximum thrust, propelling the spacecraft off the pad.

T .5s: After half a second of vertical flight, Crew Dragon pitches toward the ocean and continues its controlled burn. The SuperDraco engines throttle to control the trajectory based on real-time measurements from the vehicle's sensors.

T 5s: The abort burn is terminated once all propellant is consumed and Dragon coasts for just over 15 seconds to its highest point about 1500 meters (.93 mi) above the launch pad.

T 21s: The trunk is jettisoned and the spacecraft begins a slow rotation with its heat shield pointed toward the ground again.

T 25s: Small parachutes, called drogues, are deployed first during a 4-6 second window following trunk separation.

T 35s: Once the drogue parachutes stabilize the vehicle, three main parachutes deploy and further slow the spacecraft before splashdown.

T 107s: Dragon splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean about 2200 meters (1.4 mi) downrange of the launch pad.

Crew Dragon will accelerate from 0 to nearly 100 mph in one second. The entire test is less than two minutes long, with Dragon traveling over one mile in the first 20 seconds alone.

4. What do we hope to learn from this test?

As the first flight test of SpaceX's launch abort system, every piece of data we gather moves us closer to our first crewed flights in 2017. At a top level, we are looking to demonstrate the overall effectiveness of Crew Dragon's launch escape system, along with a handful of more specific objectives:

Sequencing. Demonstrate proper sequencing of the pad abort timeline-particularly given that several critical commands need to execute in very short periods of time.

Closed Loop Control. Demonstrate the ability of the eight SuperDraco engines to respond in real time to incoming data in order to ensure Crew Dragon stays on the appropriate course.

Trajectory Data. Obtain accurate trajectory data both for maximum altitude as well as distance downrange.

External and Internal Environments. Obtain data on impact of various internal and external factors to Crew Dragon to help ensure safe conditions for crew transport.

5. Will there be anyone on board during the pad abort test?

There will be a dummy on board the spacecraft, but despite popular belief, his name is not Buster. Buster the Dummy already works for a great show you may have heard of called MythBusters. Our dummy prefers to remain anonymous for the time being.

The purpose of the dummy is to collect data on the forces (gravitational loads) being experienced inside the spacecraft. This along with data gathered from the vehicle will help ensure crewmembers can withstand the environments seen during a launch abort.

What's Next?

Pending the outcome of the pad abort test, SpaceX will then conduct an in-flight abort test. With the in-flight abort, we will test the same launch abort system, however this time in mid-flight during an actual launch. Both the pad abort and in-flight abort will be challenging tests, but the data gathered here will be key to helping develop one of the safest, most reliable spacecraft ever flown.
LINK: http://www.spacex.com/news/2015/05/04/5-things-know-about-spacexs-pad-...
See more stories from spacex

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

06/09/2026

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

18/08/2026

Dot Group to show how cutting carbon cuts cost - live at...

At Stand 14.A57, the data company will demonstrate GreenDot and IBM Aspera together, giving media and entertainment businesses real-time visibility of what thei...

18/08/2026

Blue Lucy launches Connected Value Audit

New tool provides a robust audit of operational workflows, calculating the tangible value each delivers today, and informing business decisions for tomorrow. W...

18/08/2026

Media Utilities transitions to Media Utilities - a DigiNe...

Media Utilities is integrating its activities into DigiNet and will maintain a recognisable presence in the market under the name: Media Utilities, a DigiNet br...

18/08/2026

Appear demonstrates broadcast-grade REMI production over...

Proof of Concept validates reliable multi-camera live production from remote racecourses without fixed network infrastructure Appear ASA (Appear, OSE:APR), a g...

18/08/2026

Stingr brings frictionless second-screen interaction to I...

Stingr, a new venture from the founders of Hornets Tech, is bringing its second-screen interaction platform to IBC2026. The second screen has never really wor...

18/08/2026

Hiltron to Promote its Latest Generation Satellite Commun...

Long-established satellite equipment manufacturer and systems integrator Hiltron Communications will promote its new HACUX-IDU2 antenna control unit touchscreen...

18/08/2026

EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS Launch Combined Nuvex System

EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS Launch Combined Nuvex System Brie Clayton August 17, 2026 0 Comments Integrated platform melds media asset management, pla...

18/08/2026

The United Stand Scales Live Fan Show with Blackmagic Design Workflow

The United Stand Scales Live Fan Show with Blackmagic Design Workflow Brie Clayton August 17, 2026 0 Comments ATEM Constellation 8K and HyperDeck Stud...

18/08/2026

Twin Cities PBS to Become Minnesota PBS

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

MPA, ByteDance Reach AI Copyright Protection Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

DirecTV to Launch Curated Multiview for Live Sports

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Sinclair Taps Carol Kellum to Head Nebraska Stations

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Corridor Television Pays $27,000 for Violations of FCCs EAS Rules

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/08/2026

Triveni Digital Accelerates TV 3 0 Transition in Brazil W...

Triveni Digital Now Offers a Joint Solution With MediaKind and a Lab System Bundle Supporting ISDB-Tb and TV 3.0 Broadcast Services Triveni Digital, a trusted ...

18/08/2026

BeckTV Debuts BeckFlow at IBC and Showcases Expertise for...

At IBC2026, BeckTV, a premier systems integrator for the broadcast industry, will introduce BeckFlow to the European market. BeckFlow is the first web-based sch...

18/08/2026

PTZOptics Launches Rise 4K Bringing Ultra HD Quality and...

New flagship PTZ camera combines cinematic 4K imaging, professional broadcast connectivity and the complete Horizon intelligent video experience for productions...

18/08/2026

VisualOn IBC Show Preview - AI-Powered CAE Advanced Playb...

At IBC2026, VisualOn will demonstrate how video service providers can slash bandwidth costs, maximize ad revenue, and deploy premium interactive features withou...

18/08/2026

Paying It Forward: Greg Tabor on Giving Back to the Next Generation

The relationships built during graduate school often continue to shape careers long after a degree is earned, creating a community of scientists who learn from ...

18/08/2026

Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships reach almost 1.7 million viewers

Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships rea...

18/08/2026

An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: The Story of a West Cork Rainforest on the edges of the Beara Peninsula

The two-part series begins Sunday 23 August at 6.30pm on RT One and RT Player ...

17/08/2026

Thank You Mr. Brown: Documentary on Steadicam, Skycam Inventor Garrett Brown Is in the Works

Producer William Forbes and director Andrew Schwartz detail the decade-long effo...

17/08/2026

SHIK open S32 pre-orders

New MIDI processor & macro controller revealed SHIK have announced that they have opened pre-orders for the S32, a standalone MIDI processor and macro contr...

17/08/2026

Melbourne Instruments introduce 10-year motor warranty

Cover extended on innovative motorised pot system Melbourne Instruments have just revealed that the innovative motorised pot system used in their synths and...

17/08/2026

1010music update the Bluebox

Latest firmware version now available 1010music have just released a free firmware update that brings some nice new features to their renowned Bluebox digit...

17/08/2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry Days 2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform

Calrec's ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine joins NEP Platform, the industry's largest ecosystem of trusted production software, bringing scalable...

17/08/2026

PTZOptics To Unveil Rise 4K Broadcast PTZ Camera At IBC 2026

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV With NEP Platform

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform Advancing Sc...

Continuing its virtualisation strategy, Calrec has integrated its ImPulseV virtualised DSP software with NEP Platform, bringing its scalable audio processing ca...

17/08/2026

Mediaproxy debuts AI-powered monitoring - browser based m...

Mediaproxy, the global standard for software-based IP compliance monitoring and multiviewing solutions, will highlight major innovations in compliance monitorin...

17/08/2026

FilmLight Showcases Workflow Automation, Advanced Media Collaboration, and Baselight v8 Preview at IBC 2026

Visitors to IBC 2026 will see how FilmLight is reshaping the modern post pipelin...

17/08/2026

Arqiva x IBC 2026 - Simplify Complexity and Unlock Greater Value

Visitors to Stand 1.C41 can explore innovations in areas such as addressable advertising, hybrid distribution, managed services and operational simplification. ...

16/08/2026

Gospel Musicians release Gospel Drums

Virtual drummer joins line-up The latest release from Gospel Musicians adds a virtual drummer to the company's line-up, combining a pair of meticulously...

15/08/2026

JH Audio expand Universal-Fit range

In-ear monitoring line-up gains new universal models In-ear monitoring experts JH Audio have just announced a significant expansion of their Universal-Fit r...

15/08/2026

Press Release: NFVF Releases PESP6 Project 1, Stream1: Group 2, Stream 2 and Stream 3 Funding Approvals

14 August 2026 | Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), a...

15/08/2026

FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Adte and Haystack News Partner on CTV Ads in Runup to Midterms

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

IBC 2026: Dalet to Demo AI-Orchestrated Live Sports Workflows

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects Graham Quince August 14, 2026 0 Comments Ever wished you could smoothly round the corners of a Mask Path ...

15/08/2026

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Brie Clayton August 14, 2026 0 Comments Anamorphic cinematography and color gradi...

14/08/2026

AT&T Returns as Sponsor of Fifth-Annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

AT&T returns as a sponsor of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport (WiM) Summit, which marks its fifth year Aug. 21-22 in Snoqualmie, WA. This year's event will ...

14/08/2026

Perfect Game Blends Broadcast Polish with Social Swagger as All-American Classic Makes Move to Citizens Bank Park

A six-camera flypack production will anchor Sunday's game while Perfect Game...

14/08/2026

UJAM introduce Virtual Drummer Neon

Latest instalment delivers disco-inspired grooves The latest addition to UJAM's virtual drum line-up has been designed with contemporary pop, disco, dan...

14/08/2026

Yorkville launch the EL24S

Elite range gains giant 24-inch powered sub The latest expansion of Yorkville's Elite range introduces what the company say is the world's first act...

14/08/2026

Call for the 20th South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs20) Overall Judging Chairpersons Nominations

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Ar...

14/08/2026

LiveU, Panasonic LUMIX Launch 'Live Anywhere' Production Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

PBS Station Takes Iron Mountain to Court Over Archives

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...