Dragon 2

[MarsWeeps]

Glad to see Dragon 2 finally launch and successfully dock with the Space Station. One more flight to test the abort system and then real people will be sent up. She's a beautiful ship!

 

[StarCruiser]

Yep - there's real hope for a more 'active' space program. With both NASA (plus JSA, ESA etc...) and the private sector working in some form of cooperation.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

I keep fearing someone would try to open the wrong hatch on the Dragon while docked.

 

[diankra]

I keep fearing someone would try to open the wrong hatch on the Dragon while docked.

That's probably prevented by computer systems. Even the vintage ships could carry overrides that blocked accidental opening.

 

[Romulan_spy]

Successful splash down just moments ago. Welcome home Dragon!

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Looked like one of the chutes became draped over the capsule.

 

[publiusr]

SpaceX wants to re-use the second stage. I was thinking that Dragon might launch atop Falcon Heavy--on top of an ATV like 'Verne.

The Dragon docks separately, and the ATV/second stage combo remains with the station for additional cargo, reboost, trash removal--or module delivery (similar to Shenzhou's orbital module or OTV concepts.)

Not only that, but an abort atop Falcon heavy may be a bit more benign, with extra weight/wind resistance helping slow the LV stack.

 

[XCV330]

SpaceX wants to re-use the second stage. I was thinking that Dragon might launch atop Falcon Heavy--on top of an ATV like 'Verne.

The Dragon docks separately, and the ATV/second stage combo remains with the station for additional cargo, reboost, trash removal--or module delivery (similar to Shenzhou's orbital module or OTV concepts.)

Not only that, but an abort atop Falcon heavy may be a bit more benign, with extra weight/wind resistance helping slow the LV stack.

If EM2 ends up going on Falcon Heavy instead of SLS, you might see something like that, albeit with Orion instead of Crew Dragon. The Orion SM is based off the ATV anyway.