Sending Humans and Cargo Into Space
The Dragon spacecraft is capable of carrying up to 7 passengers to and from Earth orbit, and beyond. It is the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth, and is the first private spacecraft to take humans to the space station.
Dragon
Overview
| HEIGHT | 8.1 m / 26.7 ft |
| DIAMETER | 4 m / 13 ft |
| SPACECRAFT VOLUME | 9.3 m³ / 328 ft³ |
| TRUNK VOLUME | 37 m³ / 1300 ft³ |
| LAUNCH PAYLOAD MASS | 6,000 kg / 13,228 lbs |
| RETURN PAYLOAD MASS | 3,000 kg / 6,614 lbs |
Dragon
TRUNK
Dragon’s trunk not only carries unpressurized cargo but also supports the spacecraft during ascent. One half of the trunk is covered in solar panels that provide power to Dragon during flight and while on-station. The trunk remains attached to Dragon until shortly before reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
| VOLUME | 37 m³ / 1300 ft³ |
Dragon
SPACECRAFT
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The Dragon spacecraft, also known as the pressurized section, allows for the transport of people as well as environmentally sensitive cargo. Dragon is equipped with Draco thrusters that allow Dragon to maneuver while on orbit and 8 SuperDracos that power the spacecraft’s launch escape system.
| VOLUME | 9.3 m³ / 328 ft³ |
VIDEO
Crew Dragon Interior
Taking humans to space
In 2020, SpaceX returned America’s ability to fly NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station on American vehicles for the first time since 2011. In addition to flying astronauts to space for NASA, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft can also carry commercial astronauts to Earth orbit, the ISS or beyond.
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ENGINES
Draco
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The Dragon spacecraft is equipped with 16 Draco thrusters used to orient the spacecraft during the mission, including apogee/perigee maneuvers, orbit adjustment and attitude control. Each Draco thruster is capable of generating 90 pounds of force in the vacuum of space.
| NUMBER OF ENGINES | 16 |
| THRUST IN VACUUM | 400 N / 90 lbf |
DRAGON PARACHUTE SYSTEM
The Dragon spacecraft is equipped with two drogue parachutes to stabilize the spacecraft following reentry and four main parachutes to further decelerate the spacecraft prior to landing.
Watch video
Dragon on pad at Launch Complex 39A
Dragon and Falcon 9 ready for launch at Launch Complex 39A
Dragon approaching the International Space Station
CRS-22 approaching the International Space Station
Dragon is seen against the Earth's atmosphere
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