NASA and SpaceX latest: Dramatic Dragon test puts Elon Musk one step closer to orbit

The engines will allow the Dragon to freely manoeuvre in space.

However, in the event of a launchpad failure, the engines can be fired to carry the capsule and its crew to safety.

NASA’s Marie Lewis said: “Following these initial Draco thruster burns, the team completed a full-duration firing for approximately nine seconds of Crew Dragon’s eight SuperDraco engines.

“The SuperDraco engines are designed to accelerate Dragon away from the F9 launch vehicle in the event of an emergency after liftoff.”

Once NASA certifies the Dragon safe for manned spaceflight, the capsule will blast off into orbit onboard SpaceX’s signature Falcon 9 rocket.

source: express.co.uk