Jay Clemens
Space Exploration Technologies has received a $30 million payment from NASA after the company completed the launch escape system test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The spacecraft’s eight SuperDraco engines produced a nearly 15,000-pound thrust and lifted the spacecraft off a platform at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during the test on Saturday, NASA said Monday.
“This is the first major flight test for a vehicle that will bring astronauts to space for the entire Commercial Crew Program,” said Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX.
The spacecraft ejected its trunk after reaching a 3,561-foot altitude before it plunged in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX is scheduled to carry out a post-certification mission in late 2015.
