SpaceX Dragon 2

{{Short description|2020s class of partially reusable spacecraft}} {{About|the SpaceX spacecraft|other uses|Dragon II (disambiguation){{!}}Dragon II}} {{Use American English|date=June 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox spacecraft class | name = Dragon 2 | image = Iss071e052057.jpg | image_caption = {{ComV|Crew Dragon|Endeavour|full=nolink}} approaching the ISS in May 2024 during [[SpaceX Crew-8|Crew-8]] | manufacturer = [[SpaceX]] | designer = SpaceX | country = United States | operator = SpaceX | applications = [[International Space Station|ISS]] crew and cargo transport; [[private spaceflight]] | website = {{URL|https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon|spacex.com/vehicles/dragon}} | spacecraft_type = [[Space capsule|Capsule]] | design_life = {{Unbulleted list | 10 days (free flight)<ref name="sx20090918">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/downloads/dragonlab-datasheet.pdf|title=DragonLab datasheet|date=September 8, 2009|publisher=SpaceX|location=Hawthorne, California|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104010401/http://www.spacex.com/downloads/dragonlab-datasheet.pdf|archive-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> | 210 days (docked to ISS)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/specials/dm2/|title=NASA, SpaceX to Launch First Astronauts to Space Station from U.S. Since 2011|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 20, 2024}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> }} | launch_mass = {{cvt|27,600|lb|order=flip}}<ref name="nasa.gov">{{cite web|last1=Heiney|first1=Anna|title=Top 10 Things to Know for NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 Return|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/top-10-things-to-know-for-nasa-s-spacex-demo-2-return|website=nasa.gov|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020|quote=At the time of undock, Dragon Endeavour and its trunk weigh approximately 27,600 pounds}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>{{efn|The reentry capsule weighs {{cvt|21,200|lb|order=flip}} including crew + {{cvt|330|lb|order=flip}} payload ([[Crew Dragon Demo-2]])}} | dry_mass = {{cvt|16,976|lb|order=flip}}<ref name="StarshipToMars" /> | payload_capacity = {{Unbulleted list | {{cvt|6000|kg}} to orbit<ref name="spxdragonwebsite" /> | {{cvt|3307|kg}} to ISS{{efn|up to {{cvt|2507|kg}} pressurized and up to {{cvt|800|kg}} unpressurized}}<ref name="Audit CRS 2018" /> | {{cvt|2507|kg}} return cargo<ref name="Audit CRS 2018" /> | {{cvt|800|kg}} disposed cargo<ref name="Audit CRS 2018" /> }} | crew_capacity = {{Unbulleted list | 4 (normal operations) | 7 (emergency evacuation)<ref name="Howell 2024" /> }} | volume = {{Unbulleted list | Pressurized: {{cvt|9.3|m3}} | Unpressurized: {{cvt|37|m3}}<ref name="spxdragonwebsite" /> }} | power = {{Unbulleted list | 28{{nbsp}}V and 120{{nbsp}}V{{nbsp}}DC buses | 1.5-2{{nbsp}}kW solar array<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rauf |first=Jim |date=Fall 2023 |title=SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft |url=https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/cont-ed-62/olli/fall-23-class-handouts/SpaceX%205Dragon%20Capsules.pdf |website=University of Cincinnati }}</ref> }} | batteries = 4 × [[Lithium polymer battery|lithium polymer]] | equipment = <!-- Crews and pressurized as well as unpressurized logistics --> | orbits = [[Low Earth orbit]] | height = {{Unbulleted list | {{cvt|4.5|m}} capsule only<ref name="Orbital Velocity">{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Derek |title=Dragon 2 |url=https://www.orbital-velocity.com/crew-dragon |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Orbital Velocity |language=en-US}}</ref> | {{cvt|26.7|ft|m|order=flip}} capsule with trunk<ref name="spxdragonwebsite" /> }} | diameter = {{cvt|4|m}}<ref name="spxdragonwebsite" /> | width = {{cvt|3.7|m}}<ref name="Orbital Velocity" /> | status = Active | built = 13 (7&nbsp;crew, 3&nbsp;cargo, 3&nbsp;prototypes) | operational = 9 (5&nbsp;crew, 3&nbsp;cargo, 1&nbsp;prototype) | retired = 3 (1&nbsp;crew, 2&nbsp;prototypes) | lost = 1 (crew, during uncrewed test) | maidenlaunch = {{Unbulleted list | Uncrewed test: March 2, 2019 | Crewed: May 30, 2020 | Cargo: December 6, 2020 }} | firstlaunch = {{Unbulleted list | March 2, 2019 }} | lastlaunch = | lastretired = | stagedata = {{Infobox rocket/stage | name = Thruster details | engines = {{Unbulleted list | 16 × [[Draco thruster|Draco]]<br><small>(additional 2 x Draco in boost trunk or 30 in Deorbit Vehicle configuration on Cargo Dragon)</small> | 8 × [[SuperDraco]] as [[launch escape system]] on Crew Dragon }} | thrust = {{Unbulleted list | Draco: {{cvt|400|N}} | SuperDraco: {{cvt|71|kN}} }} | SI = Draco: {{cvt|300|isp}} | propmass = {{cvt|2,562|kg}}<ref name="StarshipToMars">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/media/Final_EA_and_FONSI_for_SpaceX_In-flight_Dragon_Abort_508_A.pdf|title=Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Issuing SpaceX a Launch License for an In-Flight Dragon Abort Test|date=June 2019|publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]]|access-date=September 25, 2022}}</ref> | fuel = {{chem2|N2O4|link=Dinitrogen tetroxide}} / {{chem2|CH6N2|link=Monomethylhydrazine}}<ref name=FAA2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/The_Annual_Compendium_of_Commercial_Space_Transporation_2012.pdf|title=The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2012|date=February 2012|publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]]|access-date=September 16, 2014|archive-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619213345/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/The_Annual_Compendium_of_Commercial_Space_Transporation_2012.pdf|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> }} | derivedfrom = [[SpaceX Dragon 1]] | launch_vehicle = [[Falcon 9 Block 5]] | configuration_image = Dragon 2 DM-2 03-cross-sectional-view-with-labels.png | configuration_image_size = 305px | configuration_image_caption = Cross-sectional views of the Crew Dragon<br>1: Parachutes, 2: Crew access hatch, 3: [[SpaceX Draco|Draco]] thrusters, 4: [[SuperDraco]] engines, 5: Propellant tank, 6: [[International Docking System Standard|IDSS]] port, 7: Port hatch, 8: Control panel, 9: Cargo pallet, 10: [[Life support system|Environmental control system]], 11: [[Ablative heat shield|Heat shield]] }} {{Private spaceflight}}

'''Dragon 2''' is a class of partially [[reusable spacecraft]] developed, manufactured, and operated by the American space company [[SpaceX]] for flights to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) and [[private spaceflight]] missions. The spacecraft, which consists of a reusable [[space capsule]] and an expendable [[Service module|trunk module]], has two variants: the 4-person '''Crew Dragon''' and '''Cargo Dragon''', a replacement for the [[SpaceX Dragon 1|Dragon 1]] cargo capsule. The spacecraft launches atop a [[Falcon 9 Block 5]] rocket, and the capsule returns to [[Earth]] through [[splashdown]].<ref name="spxdragonwebsite">{{cite web |last=SpaceX |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Dragon |url=https://www.spacex.com/dragon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302235320/https://www.spacex.com/dragon |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |access-date=March 3, 2019 |publisher=SpaceX}}</ref>

Crew Dragon's primary role is to transport crews to and from the ISS under [[NASA|NASA's]] [[Commercial Crew Program]], a task handled by the [[Space Shuttle]] until it was [[Retirement of the Space Shuttle|retired]] in 2011. It will be joined by [[Boeing Starliner|Boeing's Starliner]] in this role when NASA certifies it. Crew Dragon is also used for commercial flights to ISS and other destinations and is expected to be used to transport people to and from [[Axiom Space]]'s [[Axiom Orbital Segment#Axiom Station|planned space station]].

Cargo Dragon [[space logistics|brings cargo]] to the ISS under a [[Commercial Resupply Services#Commercial Resupply Services phase 2 – Awards and flights flown|Commercial Resupply Services-2]] contract with [[NASA]], a duty it shares with [[Northrop Grumman]]'s [[Cygnus (spacecraft)|Cygnus]] spacecraft. As of January 2025, it is the only reusable orbital [[cargo spacecraft]] in operation.

== Development and variants == There are two variants of Dragon 2: Crew Dragon and Cargo Dragon.<ref name="Audit CRS 2018">[https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830175624/https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|date=August 30, 2018}} NASA April 26, 2018, Report No. IG-18-016 Quote: "For SpaceX, certification of the company's unproven cargo version of its Dragon 2 spacecraft for CRS-2 missions carries risk while the company works to resolve ongoing concerns related to software traceability and systems engineering processes" {{PD-notice}}</ref> Crew Dragon was initially called "DragonRider"<ref name=faa-eia201408>{{cite web|title=Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, McGregor, Texas|url=http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/DragonFly_Final_EA_sm.pdf|pages=2–3|publisher=FAA|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201175223/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/dragonfly_final_ea_sm.pdf|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name=tss20140321b>{{cite AV media|people=Gwynne Shotwell|title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell|url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|date=March 21, 2014|access-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|archive-date=March 22, 2014|time=24:05–24:45 and 28:15–28:35|publisher=The Space Show|id=2212|quote=''we call it v2 for Dragon. That is the primary vehicle for crew, and we will retrofit it back to cargo''|url-status=dead}}</ref> and it was intended from the beginning to support a crew of seven or a combination of crew and cargo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/qa-former-astronaut-and-spacex-engineer-garrett-reisman-building-worlds-safest-spacecraft|title=Q+A: SpaceX Engineer Garrett Reisman on Building the World's Safest Spacecraft|date=April 13, 2012|publisher=PopSci |quote=DragonRider, SpaceX's crew-capable variant of its Dragon capsule|access-date=April 15, 2012|archive-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416023934/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/qa-former-astronaut-and-spacex-engineer-garrett-reisman-building-worlds-safest-spacecraft|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20111020|title=SpaceX Completes Key Milestone to Fly Astronauts to International Space Station|date=October 20, 2011|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=May 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503032852/http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20111020|archive-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Earlier spacecraft had a berthing port and were [[Berthing (spacecraft)|berthed]] to ISS by ISS personnel. Dragon 2 instead has an [[International Docking System Standard|IDSS]]-compatible docking port to dock to the [[International Docking Adapter]] ports on ISS. It is able to perform fully [[Autonomy|autonomous]] rendezvous and docking with manual override ability.<ref name=overview>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/dragon.php|title=Dragon Overview|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-date=April 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405074247/https://spacex.com/dragon.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dockingstandard.nasa.gov/Documents/AIAA_ATS_NDS-IDSS_Overview_Draft1.pdf|title=Overview of the NASA Docking System and the International Docking System Standard|last=Parma|first=George|date=March 20, 2011|publisher=NASA|quote=iLIDS was later renamed the NASA Docking System (NDS), and will be NASA's implementation of an IDSS compatible docking system for all future U.S. vehicles|access-date=March 30, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015075220/http://dockingstandard.nasa.gov/Documents/AIAA_ATS_NDS-IDSS_Overview_Draft1.pdf|archive-date=October 15, 2011}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> For typical missions, Crew Dragon remains docked to the ISS for a nominal period of 180 days, but is designed to remain on the station for up to 210 days,{{efn|NASA extended the [[SpaceX Crew-8|Crew-8]] mission to 235 days to help mitigate the problems with the [[Boeing Crew Flight Test|Starliner CFT mission]]}} matching the Russian [[Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz spacecraft]].<ref name="nasa20110726">{{cite web|url=http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=107|title=Commercial Crew Program: Key Driving Requirements Walkthrough|last=Bayt|first=Rob|date=July 16, 2011 |publisher=NASA|access-date=July 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328055242/http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=107|archive-date=March 28, 2012}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17815821|title=Space station trip will push the envelope|last=Oberg|first=Jim|date=March 28, 2007|publisher=NBC News|access-date=May 9, 2012|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710045514/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17815821|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="nasa20120509">{{cite web |url=http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/documents/responses/nasa/2012-05-09_NASA_Response.pdf|title=2012-05-09_NASA_Response|last=Bolden|first=Charles|date=May 9, 2012|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 20, 2012|archive-date=February 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215194938/http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/documents/responses/nasa/2012-05-09_NASA_Response.pdf|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>With the exception of the [[Project Gemini]] spacecraft, which used twin ejection seats: [http://www.astronautix.com/craft/gemction.htm "Encyclopedia Astronautica: Gemini Ejection"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050425095154/http://astronautix.com/craft/gemction.htm|date=April 25, 2005}} Astronautix.com Retrieved January 24, 2013</ref><ref name="Space CCDEV R2 20110418">{{cite news |last=Chow|first=Denise|title=Private Spaceship Builders Split Nearly US$270 Million in NASA Funds|url=http://www.space.com/11421-nasa-private-spaceship-funding-astronauts.html|access-date=December 18, 2011 |publisher=Space.com|date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231133929/http://www.space.com/11421-nasa-private-spaceship-funding-astronauts.html|archive-date=December 31, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="cl20101213">[https://web.archive.org/web/20101215151136/http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/13/5645709-spaceship-teams-seek-more-funding "Spaceship teams seek more funding"] MSNBC December 10, 2010, Retrieved December 14, 2010</ref>

== Crew Dragon == Crew Dragon is capable of autonomous operation. SpaceX and NASA state that it is capable of carrying seven astronauts, but in normal operations, it carries two to four crew members, and {{as of|lc=yes|2025|1}}, has never carried more than four.<ref name="nasa ccp">{{cite web |title=COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM |page=20|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/commercial_crew_press_kit_2.pdf?emrc=d5924a#C9 |website=NASA |access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref>

Crew Dragon includes an integrated pusher [[launch escape system]] whose eight [[SuperDraco]] engines can push the capsule up and away from the launch vehicle in an emergency.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Betancourt |first=Mark |title=Abort! |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/abort-180970364/ |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref> SpaceX originally intended to use the SuperDraco engines to land Crew Dragon on land; parachutes and an ocean splashdown were envisioned for use only in the case of an aborted launch. Precision water landing under [[parachute]]s was proposed to NASA as "the baseline return and recovery approach for the first few flights" of Crew Dragon.<ref name="sx20150227">{{cite web |last=Reisman |first=Garrett |date=February 27, 2015 |title=Statement of Garrett Reisman, Director of Crew Operations, Space Explorations Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) before the Subcommittee on Space, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Reisman%20Testimony.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605163309/https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Reisman%20Testimony.pdf |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |access-date=June 5, 2020 |publisher=United States House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> However, propulsive landing was later cancelled, leaving ocean splashdown under parachutes as the only option.<ref name="sxu20110117">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/updates.php|title=SpaceX Updates – Taking the next step: Commercial Crew Development Round 2|publisher=SpaceX|date=January 17, 2010 |access-date=January 17, 2011|archive-date=July 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727153858/http://www.spacex.com/updates.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, SpaceX was in talks with Orbital Outfitters about developing [[space suit]]s to wear during launch and re-entry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-10/deep-space-suit |title=The Deep-Space Suit|last=Sofge|first=Eric|date=November 19, 2012|work=PopSci|access-date=November 19, 2012|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127172503/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-10/deep-space-suit|url-status=live}}</ref> Each crew member wears a custom-fitted space suit that provides cooling inside the Dragon (IVA type suit) but can also protect its wearer in a [[Uncontrolled decompression|rapid cabin depressurization]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon|url=https://www.spacex.com/dragon|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=March 4, 2019|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302235320/https://www.spacex.com/dragon|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/space/a-first-look-at-the-spacesuits-of-the-future.aspx|title=A First Look at the Spacesuits of the Future|last1=Gibbens|first1=Sarah|work=National Geographic|access-date=March 4, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306045202/https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/space/a-first-look-at-the-spacesuits-of-the-future.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> For the [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]] mission, a test dummy was fitted with the spacesuit and sensors. The spacesuit is made from [[Nomex]], a fire-retardant fabric similar to [[Kevlar]].

The spacecraft's design was unveiled on May 29, 2014, during a press event at [[SpaceX Hawthorne|SpaceX headquarters]] in [[Hawthorne, California]].<ref name=aw20140530>{{cite news|last=Norris|first=Guy|title=SpaceX Unveils 'Step Change' Dragon 'V2'|url=http://aviationweek.com/space/spacex-unveils-step-change-dragon-v2|access-date=May 30, 2014|work=Aviation Week|date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531110355/http://aviationweek.com/space/spacex-unveils-step-change-dragon-v2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=sdc20140529>{{cite news|last=Kramer|first=Miriam|title=SpaceX Unveils Dragon V2 Spaceship, a Manned Space Taxi for Astronauts — Meet Dragon V2: SpaceX's Manned Space Taxi for Astronaut Trips|url=http://www.space.com/26063-spacex-unveils-dragon-v2-manned-spaceship.html |access-date=May 30, 2014|newspaper=Space.com|date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220092038/http://www.space.com/26063-spacex-unveils-dragon-v2-manned-spaceship.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=nsf20140530>{{cite news|title=SpaceX lifts the lid on the Dragon V2 crew spacecraft|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/spacex-lifts-the-lid-dragon-v2-crew-spacecraft/|access-date=May 30, 2014|last=Bergin|first=Chris|newspaper=NASAspaceflight.com|date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531104755/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/spacex-lifts-the-lid-dragon-v2-crew-spacecraft/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, NASA selected the Dragon spacecraft as one of the candidates to fly American [[astronaut]]s to the International Space Station, under the [[Commercial Crew Program]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2014/09/16/nasa-selects-spacex-be-part-americas-human-spaceflight-program|title=NASA Selects SpaceX to be Part of America's Human Spaceflight Program|last=Post|first=Hannah |date=September 16, 2014|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-date=March 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315165820/https://www.spacex.com/news/2014/09/16/nasa-selects-spacex-be-part-americas-human-spaceflight-program|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=snc /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/so-spacex-is-having-quite-a-year/|title=So SpaceX is having quite a year|last1=Berger|first1=Eric|date=June 9, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2017|work=Ars Technica|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609161325/https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/so-spacex-is-having-quite-a-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, SpaceX President [[Gwynne Shotwell]] told Reuters that "We are finishing our final (capsule), but we still are manufacturing components, because we'll be refurbishing".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=March 28, 2022 |title=EXCLUSIVE SpaceX ending production of flagship crew capsule |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/exclusive-spacex-ending-production-flagship-crew-capsule-executive-2022-03-28/ |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> SpaceX later decided to build a fifth Crew Dragon capsule, to be available by 2024.<ref name="sn2022-11-19">{{cite web |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |title=SpaceX to launch last new cargo Dragon spacecraft |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-to-launch-last-new-cargo-dragon-spacecraft/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=February 18, 2023 |date=November 19, 2022 |quote=Walker revealed at the briefing SpaceX plans to build a fifth and likely final Crew Dragon.}}</ref> SpaceX also manufactures a new expendable trunk for each flight.

SpaceX's Commercial Crew Transportation Capabilities (CCtCap) contract values each seat on a Crew Dragon flight to be around US$88 million,<ref name="planetary-2">{{Cite web |last=Potter |first=Sean |date=August 31, 2022 |title=NASA Awards SpaceX More Crew Flights to Space Station |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-awards-spacex-more-crew-flights-to-space-station |access-date= |website=NASA.gov |publisher=[[NASA]] |quote=This is a firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract modification for the Crew-10, Crew-11, Crew-12, Crew-13, and Crew-14 flights. The value of this modification for all five missions and related mission services is $1,436,438,446. The amount includes ground, launch, in-orbit, and return and recovery operations, cargo transportation for each mission, and a lifeboat capability while docked to the International Space Station. The period of performance runs through 2030 and brings the total CCtCap contract value with SpaceX to $4,927,306,350}}</ref> while the face value of each seat has been estimated by NASA's [[NASA Office of Inspector General|Office of Inspector General]] (OIG) to be around US$55 million.<ref name="forbes-2">{{Cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Niall|title=Why SpaceX Is A Game Changer For NASA [Infographic]|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2020/06/04/why-spacex-is-a-game-changer-for-nasa-infographic/#4c5e22801656|website=[[Forbes]]|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627030645/https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2020/06/04/why-spacex-is-a-game-changer-for-nasa-infographic/#71bde5216ff2|archive-date=June 27, 2020|date=June 4, 2020|quote=According to the NASA audit, the SpaceX Crew Dragon's per-seat cost works out at an estimated $55 million while a seat on Boeing's Starliner is approximately $90 million&nbsp;...|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="businessinsider-2">{{Cite web|last1=McFall-Johnsen|first1=Morgan|last2=Mosher|first2=Dave|last3=Secon|first3=Holly|title=SpaceX is set to launch astronauts on Wednesday. Here's how Elon Musk's company became NASA's best shot at resurrecting American spaceflight|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-boeing-nasa-commercial-crew-program-launch-astronauts-2020-1|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627031056/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/spacex-boeing-nasa-commercial-crew-program-launch-astronauts-2020-1|archive-date=June 27, 2020|date=January 26, 2020|quote=Eventually, a round-trip seat on the Crew Dragon is expected to cost about $US55 million. A seat on Starliner will cost about $US90 million. That's according to a November 2019 report from the NASA Office of Inspector General.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacecom-17">{{Cite web|last=Wall|first=Mike|title=Here's How Much NASA Is Paying Per Seat on SpaceX's Crew Dragon & Boeing's Starliner|url=https://www.space.com/spacex-boeing-commercial-crew-seat-prices.html|website=[[Space.com]]|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627031359/https://www.space.com/spacex-boeing-commercial-crew-seat-prices.html|archive-date=June 27, 2020 |date=November 16, 2019|quote=NASA will likely pay about $90 million for each astronaut who flies aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule on International Space Station (ISS) missions, the report estimated. The per-seat cost for SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, meanwhile, will be around $55 million, according to the OIG's calculations.|url-status=live}}</ref> This contrasts with the 2014 Soyuz launch price of US$76 million per seat for NASA astronauts.<ref name="nasa0518">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sci-tech/space/spacex-scrubs-launch-iss-over-rocket-engine-problem-933|title=SpaceX scrubs launch to ISS over rocket engine problem|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=May 19, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523003837/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sci-tech/space/spacex-scrubs-launch-iss-over-rocket-engine-problem-933|archive-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref>

== Cargo Dragon == Dragon 2 was intended from the earliest design concept to carry crew, or with fewer seats, both crew and cargo.

The cargo version, dubbed '''Cargo Dragon''', became a reality after 2014, when NASA sought bids on a second round of multi-year contracts to bring cargo to the ISS in 2020 through 2024. In January 2016, SpaceX won contracts for six of these flights, dubbed [[Commercial Resupply Services|CRS-2]].<ref name="nsf201503">{{cite news|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/nasa-crs-missions-dragon-cygnus/|title=NASA lines up four additional CRS missions for Dragon and Cygnus|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|work=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130164344/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/nasa-crs-missions-dragon-cygnus/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2025|08}}, Cargo Dragon had completed ten missions to and from the ISS with the eleventh mission in progress and more missions planned.

Cargo Dragons lack several features of the crewed variant, including seats, cockpit controls, astronaut life support systems, and [[SuperDraco]] abort engines.<ref name="teslarati-20200217">{{cite web |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-no-crew-dragon-spaceship-reuse-nasa-astronaut-launches/cargo-dragon-2-required-modifications/|title=Dragon 2 modifications to Carry Cargo for CRS-2 missions|last=Ralph |first=Eric|publisher=SpaceX/Teslarati|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001023048/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-no-crew-dragon-spaceship-reuse-nasa-astronaut-launches/cargo-dragon-2-required-modifications/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nasa-oig-18016">{{cite report|url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|title=Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Center|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line -->|publisher=NASA|work=Office of Inspector General|volume=IG-18-016|pages=24, 28–30|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=April 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405210438/https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Cargo Dragon improves on many aspects of the [[SpaceX Dragon|original Dragon]] design, including the recovery and refurbishment process.<ref name="sfn20190802">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/02/spacex-to-begin-flights-under-new-cargo-resupply-contract-next-year/|title=SpaceX to begin flights under new cargo resupply contract next year|last=Clark|first=Stephen|work=Spaceflight Now|date=August 2, 2019|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803000441/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/02/spacex-to-begin-flights-under-new-cargo-resupply-contract-next-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2021, Cargo Dragon has been able to provide power to some payloads, saving space in the ISS and eliminating the time needed to move the payloads and set them up inside. This feature, announced on August 29, 2021, during the [[CRS-23]] launch, is called Extend-the-Lab. "For CRS-23 there are 3 Extend-the-Lab payloads launching with the mission, and once docked, a 4th which is currently already on the space station will be added to Dragon".<ref>{{citation |title=CRS-23 Mission | date=August 29, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-KiDqxAMU0 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829171335/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-KiDqxAMU0 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=CRS-21 Mission |url=https://www.spacex.com/launches/crs-21-splashdown/}}</ref> For the first time, Dragon {{ComV|SpaceX Cargo Dragon|C208|full=nolink}} performed test reboost of the ISS via its aft-facing Draco thrusters on November 8, 2024, at 17:50 UTC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Falcon 9 launches cargo Dragon mission to ISS |url=https://spacenews.com/falcon-9-launches-cargo-dragon-mission-to-iss-2/ |access-date=November 5, 2024 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

On [[SpaceX CRS-33]], Dragon included "boost kit" propulsion module in Dragon's hollow unpressurized trunk, which is typically used to carry larger experiments that are robotically attached to the outside of the ISS. The kit comprises six dedicated propellant tanks containing hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, a helium pressurant tank, and two [[Draco (rocket engine)|Draco]] thrusters aligned with the station's velocity vector. The boost kit is based on, but operates independently from Dragon's primary propulsion system.<ref name="Clark 2025" /><ref name="Taveau 2025">{{Cite web |last=Taveau |first=Jessica |date=August 24, 2025 |title=NASA Science, Cargo Launch on 33rd SpaceX Resupply Mission to Station |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-science-cargo-launch-on-33rd-spacex-resupply-mission-to-station/ |access-date=August 24, 2025 |website=NASA |language=en-US}}</ref> When activated, the system can add about {{convert|9|m/s|mph|sp=us}} to the ISS's orbital velocity, equivalent to the total reboost impulse of roughly one-and-a-half Russian [[Progress (spacecraft)|Progress]] cargo vehicles, which are normally responsible for orbit maintenance. The kit carries enough propellant to provide about one-third to one-fourth of the ISS's annual reboost needs.<ref name="Clark 2025">{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=August 25, 2025 |title=SpaceX launches cargo mission with ISS reboost capability |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/08/spacexs-latest-dragon-mission-will-breathe-more-fire-at-the-space-station/ |access-date=January 23, 2026 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

The '''US Deorbit Vehicle''' is a planned Cargo Dragon variant that will be used to deorbit the ISS and direct any remnants into the "[[spacecraft cemetery]]", a remote area of the southern Pacific Ocean.<ref name="sky-20220201">{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2022 |title=NASA plans to take International Space Station out of orbit in January 2031 by crashing it into 'spacecraft cemetery' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-plans-to-take-international-space-station-out-of-orbit-in-january-2031-by-crashing-it-into-spacecraft-cemetery-12530194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010112515/https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-plans-to-take-international-space-station-out-of-orbit-in-january-2031-by-crashing-it-into-spacecraft-cemetery-12530194 |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |work=[[Sky News]]}}</ref> The vehicle will attach to the ISS using one of the Cargo Dragon vehicles, which will be paired with a longer trunk module equipped with 30 additional Draco thrusters (in addition to the normal 16) and will carry {{Convert|30000|kg|abbr=on}} of propellant, nearly six times the normal load. NASA plans to launch the deorbit vehicle in 2030 where it will remain attached, dormant, for about a year as the station's orbit naturally decays to {{cvt|220|km}}. The spacecraft is to then conduct one or more orientation burns to lower the perigee to {{cvt|150|km}}, followed by a final deorbiting burn to push the station into the ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=May 9, 2023 |title=NASA proposes 'hybrid' contract approach for space station deorbit vehicle |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-proposals-hybrid-contract-approach-for-space-station-deorbit-vehicle/ |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=SpaceNews }}</ref> In June 2024, NASA awarded a contract worth up to $843 million to SpaceX to build the deorbit vehicle as it works to secure funding.<ref name=":2b">{{Cite web |title=NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle – NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-international-space-station-us-deorbit-vehicle/ |access-date=June 26, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Nelson lobbies Congress to fund ISS deorbit vehicle in supplemental spending bill |url=https://spacenews.com/nelson-lobbies-congress-to-fund-iss-deorbit-vehicle-in-supplemental-spending-bill/ |access-date=May 3, 2024 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Design == [[File:Crew Dragon Resilience Crew-1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.05|{{ComV|Crew Dragon|Resilience|full=nolink}} in the [[LC-39A]] [[Horizontal Integration Facility]] in November 2020 preparing for the launch of [[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]].]] [[File:Spaceships.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Currently operational crewed spacecraft (at least orbital class)]]

SpaceX, which aims to dramatically lower space transportation costs, designed Dragon 2 to be reused, not discarded as is typical of spacecraft. It is composed of a reusable capsule and a disposable trunk.

SpaceX and NASA initially certified the capsule to be used for five missions. {{As of|2024|03}}, they are working to certify it for up to fifteen missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/spacex-nasa-crew-dragon-spacecraft-15-flights|title=NASA, SpaceX looking to extend lifespan of Crew Dragon spacecraft to 15 flights|first=Brett|last=Tingley|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=August 21, 2024|website=space.com}}</ref>

To maximize cost-effectiveness, SpaceX incorporated several innovative design choices. The Crew Dragon employs eight side-mounted [[SuperDraco]] engines for its emergency escape system, eliminating the need for a traditional, disposable [[Launch escape system|escape tower]]. Furthermore, instead of housing the critical and expensive [[Life-support system|life support]], [[SpaceX Draco|thruster]], and propellant storage systems in a disposable [[service module]], Dragon 2 integrates them within the capsule for reuse.

[[File:Dragon Resilience, perched atop her lair.jpg|thumb|Crew Dragon ''Resilience,'' with the solar panels integrated in its trunk]]

The trunk serves as an adapter between the capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket's second stage and also includes [[Solar panels on spacecraft|solar panels]], a [[Spacecraft thermal control|heat-dissipation radiator]], and fins to provide [[Directional stability|aerodynamic stability]] during emergency aborts.<ref name="sx20150227" /> Dragon 2 integrates solar arrays directly into the trunk's structure, replacing the deployable panels of its predecessor, Dragon 1. On Cargo Dragon missions, the trunk can also be used to transport unpressurized payloads, such as the [[Roll Out Solar Array]], or it can be fitted with a "boost kit" to perform [[Reboost|reboosts]] of the ISS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2025-08-25 |title=SpaceX's latest Dragon mission will breathe more fire at the space station |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/08/spacexs-latest-dragon-mission-will-breathe-more-fire-at-the-space-station/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref> The trunk is connected to the capsule using a fitting known as "the claw".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |date=September 14, 2024 |title=Polaris Dawn returns home after landmark commercial spaceflight |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/09/polaris-dawn-splashdown/ |access-date=September 22, 2024 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

The typical Crew Dragon mission includes four astronauts: a [[Astronaut ranks and positions|commander]] who leads the mission and has primary responsibility for operating the spacecraft, a [[Astronaut ranks and positions|pilot]] who serves as backup for both command and operations, and two mission specialists who may have specific duties assigned depending on the mission. However, the Crew Dragon can fly missions with just two astronauts as needed, and in an emergency, up to seven astronauts could return to Earth from the ISS on Dragon.<ref name="Howell 2024">{{Cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Will SpaceX carry Boeing Starliner crew home? Here's how Dragon could do it |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner |access-date=August 19, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Crew Dragon interior configuration.jpg|thumb|Crew Dragon interior configuration showing four standard crew seats (S1-S4) and three cargo pallet locations (C5-C7)]]

On the Crew Dragon, above the two center seats (occupied by the commander and pilot), there is a three-screen control panel. Below the seats is the cargo pallet, where around {{Convert|500|lb|order=flip}} of items can be stowed.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Crew-1 Dragon Arrives At the International Space Station |url=https://spacenews.com/crew-1-dragon-arrives-at-the-international-space-station/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> On the ground, crews enter the capsule through a side hatch. The capsule’s ceiling includes a small [[space toilet]] (with privacy curtain),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=November 11, 2021 |title=SpaceX's toilet is working fine, thanks for asking. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/10/science/spacex-toilet-diapers.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and an [[International Docking System Standard]] (IDSS) port. For [[private spaceflight]] missions not requiring ISS docking, the IDSS port can be replaced with a {{Convert|1.2|m|sp=us|adj=on}} domed plexiglass window offering panoramic views, similar to the [[Cupola (ISS module)|ISS Cupola]].<ref name="sdc20210330">{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=March 30, 2021 |title=SpaceX's Dragon spaceship is getting the ultimate window for private Inspiration4 spaceflight |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-cupola-window-inspiration4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184746/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-cupola-window-inspiration4 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |work=Space.com}}</ref> Additionally, SpaceX has developed a "Skywalker" hatch for missions involving [[Extravehicular activity|extravehicular activities]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Overview: Approaching Dawn |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/overview-approaching-dawn-michael-sheetz-fp6pc/ |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=CNBC's Investing in Space Newsletter}}</ref>

The Cargo Dragon is loaded from the side hatch as well as through the IDSS port on the ceiling. It lacks the control panels, life support, windows, and seats of the Crew Dragon.

The spacecraft can be operated in full [[vacuum]], and crew wears SpaceX-designed [[space suit]]s to protect them from a rapid cabin depressurization emergency event. The spacecraft has also been designed to be able to land safely with a leak "of up to an equivalent orifice of {{cvt|6.35|mm|in|2|disp=sqbr}} in diameter".<ref name="sx20150227" />

The spacecraft's nose cone protects the docking port and four forward-facing thrusters during ascent and reentry. This component pivots open for in-space operations.<ref name="sx20150227" /><ref name="nsf20140530" /> Dragon 2's propellant and helium pressurant for emergency abort and orbital maneuvers are stored in composite-carbon-overwrap titanium spherical tanks at the capsule's base in an area known as the service section.

For launch aborts, the capsule relies on eight SuperDraco engines arranged in four redundant pairs. Each engine generates {{cvt|71|kN}} of thrust.<ref name="aw20140530" /> Sixteen smaller Draco thrusters placed around the spacecraft control its attitude and perform orbital maneuvers.

[[File:NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 Splashdown (NHQ202210140015).jpeg|thumb|Crew Dragon ''Freedom'' with its parachutes deployed]]

When the capsule returns to Earth, a [[PICA-3]] heat shield safeguards the capsule during reentry. Dragon 2 uses a total of six parachutes (two drogues and four mains) to decelerate after atmospheric entry and before splashdown, compared to the five used by Dragon 1.<ref name="nsf20140828" /> The additional parachute was required by NASA as a safety measure after a Dragon 1 suffered a parachute malfunction. The company also went through two rounds of parachute development before being certified to fly with crew.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=December 5, 2019 |title=SpaceX's Crew Dragon parachutes are almost ready for NASA astronauts |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-crew-dragon-parachutes-nasa-astronauts/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, the use of the SuperDraco thrusters for propulsive landing was enabled again, but only as a backup for parachute emergencies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCrea |first=Aaron |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Dragon receives long-planned propulsive landing upgrade after years of development |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/10/dragon-propulsive-landing/ |access-date=November 19, 2024 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Crewed flights == [[File:SpaceX Dragon 2 and astronauts 2018.jpg|thumb|The Crew Dragon mockup (background) and four of the astronauts of its first two crewed missions (foreground), from left to right: [[Doug Hurley]], [[Bob Behnken]], [[Michael S. Hopkins]], and [[Victor Glover]]]]

Crew Dragon is used by both commercial and government customers. [[Axiom Space]] launches commercial astronauts to the ISS and intends to eventually launch to their own private space station. NASA flights to the ISS have four astronauts, with the added payload mass and volume used to carry pressurized cargo.<ref name="nsf20140828">{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=Dragon V2 will initially rely on parachute landings|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/dragon-v2-rely-parachutes-landing/|access-date=August 29, 2014 |work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=August 28, 2014|archive-date=August 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828214641/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/dragon-v2-rely-parachutes-landing/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 16, 2014, NASA announced that SpaceX and Boeing had been selected to provide crew transportation to the ISS. SpaceX was to receive up to US$2.6 billion under this contract to provide development test flights and up to six operational flights.<ref>{{cite web|title=NASA Chooses American Companies to Transport U.S. Astronauts to International Space Station|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international/ |publisher=NASA|access-date=September 16, 2014|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320051537/https://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Dragon was the less expensive proposal,<ref name="snc">{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|title=Why NASA Rejected Sierra Nevada's Commercial Crew Vehicle|work=Aviation Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027174620/http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 27, 2014|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref> but NASA's [[William H. Gerstenmaier]] considered the [[Boeing Starliner]] proposal the stronger of the two. However, Crew Dragon's first operational flight, [[SpaceX Crew-1]], was on November 16, 2020, after several test flights, while Starliner suffered multiple problems and delays, with its first operational flight slipping to no earlier than 2026.<ref name="nasa-20231012">{{cite web |last=Robinson-Smith |first=Will |date=June 7, 2025 |title=Further delays of Starliner's next flight mark anniversary of its first crewed Space Station docking |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/06/07/further-delays-of-starliners-next-flight-mark-anniversary-of-its-first-crewed-space-station-docking |access-date=July 18, 2025 |work=spaceflightnow.com}}</ref>

In a departure from the prior NASA practice, where construction contracts with commercial firms led to direct NASA operation of the spacecraft, NASA is purchasing space transport services from SpaceX, including construction, launch, and operation of the Dragon 2.<ref name="nsf20150305" />

NASA approved a new propellant loading procedure due to the Falcon 9 rocket's novel use of [[Subcooling|superchilled]] propellants. Unlike earlier NASA spacecraft, such as the [[Saturn V]] and Space Shuttle—where propellants were fully loaded hours before launch and before astronauts boarded—on the Falcon 9, propellants are loaded just before launch to keep the [[liquid oxygen]] near {{Convert|-340|F}} and the [[RP-1|kerosene]] near {{Convert|20|F}}.<ref name="musk-20151217">{{Cite tweet |number=677666779494248449 |user=elonmusk |title=-340 F in this case. Deep cryo increases density and amplifies rocket performance. First time anyone has gone this low for O2. [RP-1 chilled] from 70F to 20 F |first=Elon |last=Musk |author-link=Elon Musk |date=December 17, 2015 |access-date=December 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231204559/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/677666779494248449 |archive-date=December 31, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Propellant loading begins approximately 40 minutes before liftoff, with the [[launch escape system]] active to ensure the crew can be safely pulled away from the rocket in the event of an emergency during fuel loading.<ref name="nasa20180817">{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Mark |date=August 17, 2018 |title=NASA, SpaceX Agree on Plans for Crew Launch Day Operations |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-spacex-agree-on-plans-for-crew-launch-day-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003104824/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-spacex-agree-on-plans-for-crew-launch-day-operations/ |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |access-date=November 25, 2018 |publisher=NASA}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

The first uncrewed test mission, [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]], launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 2, 2019.<ref name="NASAblogcc">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/11/21/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-5/|title=NASA's Commercial Crew Program Target Test Flight Dates|date=November 21, 2018|publisher=NASA|access-date=November 22, 2018|archive-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125212110/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/11/21/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-5/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> After schedule slips,<ref name="nasa-201902062">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|title=NASA, Partners Update Commercial Crew Launch Dates|date=February 6, 2019|work=NASA Commercial Crew Program Blog|access-date=February 8, 2019|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302204511/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> the first crewed flight, [[Crew Dragon Demo-2|Demo-2]], launched on May 30, 2020.<ref name="Chan">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/17/soyuz-with-crew-of-three-lands-safely-in-kazakhstan/|title=Elon Musk Shares Simulation Video, Schedule Of Crew Dragon's First Crewed Flight|date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420193137/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/17/soyuz-with-crew-of-three-lands-safely-in-kazakhstan/|url-status=live|last=Chan|first=Athena|work=International Business Times|access-date=April 17, 2020}}</ref>

== Testing == SpaceX planned a series of four [[flight testing|flight tests]] for the Crew Dragon: a pad abort test, an uncrewed orbital flight to the ISS, an in-flight abort test, and finally, a crewed flight to the ISS,<ref name="sfn20161213">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/06/04/s-s-john-glenn-freighter-departs-space-station-after-successful-cargo-delivery/|title=S.S. John Glenn freighter departs space station after successful cargo delivery|work=Spaceflight Now|first=Justin|last=Ray|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2017}}</ref> which was initially planned for July 2019,<ref name="nasa-201902062" /> but after a Dragon capsule explosion, was delayed to May 2020.<ref name="Futurism tentative date">{{cite web|url=https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-tentative-spacex-launch-date |title=NASA sets tentative date for launching astronauts in SpaceX ship|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703031223/https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-tentative-spacex-launch-date|url-status=live|website=futurism.com|date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref>

=== Pad abort test === {{Main|Dragon 2 Pad Abort Test}} [[File:Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test (16814592054).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|alt=Dragon 2 hover test (24159153709)|Pad abort test of a Dragon 2 article on May 6, 2015, at [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|CCAFS]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]]]]

The pad abort test was conducted successfully on May 6, 2015, at SpaceX's leased [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] launch site.<ref name="nsf20140828" /> Dragon landed safely in the ocean to the east of the launchpad 99 seconds after ignition of the SuperDraco engines.<ref name="sfn20150506">{{cite web|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|title=SpaceX crew capsule completes dramatic abort test|date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610060727/http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|url-status=live|last1=Clark|first1=Stephen|work=Spaceflight Now|access-date=May 14, 2015}}</ref> While a flight-like Dragon 2 and trunk were used for the pad abort test, they rested atop a truss structure for the test rather than a full Falcon 9 rocket. A [[crash test dummy]] embedded with a suite of sensors was placed inside the test vehicle to record [[acceleration]] loads and forces at the crew seat, while the remaining six seats were loaded with weights to simulate full-passenger-load weight.<ref name="nsf20150305" /><ref name="nsf20150403">{{cite news |last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX preparing for a busy season of missions and test milestones|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=April 3, 2015 |archive-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407001148/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-preparing-busy-season-missions-test-milestones/|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref> The test objective was to demonstrate sufficient total [[Impulse (physics)|impulse]], [[thrust]] and [[Spacecraft attitude control|controllability]] to conduct a safe pad abort. A fuel mixture ratio issue was detected after the flight in one of the eight SuperDraco engines causing it to under perform, but did not materially affect the flight.<ref name="nsf20150506">{{cite web|title=SpaceX Crew Dragon pad abort: Test flight demos launch escape system|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-050615a-spacex-dragon-pad-abort.html|website=collectspace.com|access-date=May 14, 2015|date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518075950/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-050615a-spacex-dragon-pad-abort.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bergin|first=Chris|title=Dragon 2 conducts Pad Abort leap in key SpaceX test|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/05/dragon-2-pad-abort-leap-key-spacex-test/|work=NASASpaceFlight|access-date=May 6, 2015|date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=May 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522125801/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/05/dragon-2-pad-abort-leap-key-spacex-test/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen |title=SpaceX crew capsule completes dramatic abort test|work=Spaceflight Now|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730070948/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 24, 2015, SpaceX conducted a test of Dragon 2's hovering abilities at the firm's [[SpaceX McGregor|rocket development facility]] in [[McGregor, Texas]]. In a video, the spacecraft is shown suspended by a hoisting cable and igniting its [[SuperDraco]] engines to hover for about 5 seconds, balancing on its 8 engines firing at reduced thrust to compensate exactly for gravity.<ref name="youtube-hovertest">{{cite AV media|title=Dragon 2 Propulsive Hover Test|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Pm8ZY0XJI|publisher=SpaceX|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016}}</ref> The test vehicle was the same capsule that performed the pad abort test earlier in 2015; it was nicknamed [[SpaceX DragonFly|DragonFly]].<ref name="nsf20151021">{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX DragonFly arrives at McGregor for testing|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/spacex-dragonfly-arrives-mcgregor-testing/|access-date=October 30, 2015|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=October 21, 2015|archive-date=November 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102064252/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/spacex-dragonfly-arrives-mcgregor-testing/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Demo-1: orbital flight test === {{Main|Crew Dragon Demo-1}} [[File:Crew Demo-1 Mission (46535573034).jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Launch of [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]], Crew Dragon's maiden spaceflight]]

In 2015, NASA named its first Commercial Crew astronaut cadre of four veteran astronauts to work with SpaceX and Boeing – [[Robert Behnken]], [[Eric Boe]], [[Sunita Williams]], and [[Douglas Hurley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-070915a-commercial-crew-astronauts.html|title=NASA assigns 4 astronauts to commercial Boeing, SpaceX test flights|website=collectspace.com|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=March 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315165800/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-070915a-commercial-crew-astronauts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]] mission completed the last milestone of the Commercial Crew Development program, paving the way to starting commercial services under an upcoming [[Commercial Crew Development|ISS Crew Transportation Services]] contract.<ref name=nsf20150305>{{cite news|title=Commercial crew demo missions manifested for Dragon 2 and CST-100 |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/commercial-crew-demo-missions-dragon-cst-100/|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617084812/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/commercial-crew-demo-missions-dragon-cst-100/|last1=Bergin |first1=Chris|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|url-status=live|date=March 5, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name=taxi>{{cite news|last1=Kramer|first1=Miriam|title=Private Space Taxis on Track to Fly in 2017|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/private-space-taxis-on-track-to-fly-in-2017/|access-date=January 27, 2015|work=Scientific American|date=January 27, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128042337/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/private-space-taxis-on-track-to-fly-in-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 3, 2018, NASA announced the crew for the DM-2 mission.<ref name=nasacc_crew>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-crews-to-first-test-flights-missions-on-commercial-spacecraft|title=NASA Assigns Crews to First Test Flights, Missions on Commercial Spacecraft|publisher=NASA|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320101243/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-crews-to-first-test-flights-missions-on-commercial-spacecraft|url-status=live|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 4, 2018}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The crew of two consisted of NASA astronauts [[Bob Behnken]] and [[Doug Hurley]]. Behnken previously flew as mission specialist on the STS-123 and the STS-130 missions. Hurley previously flew as a pilot on the [[STS-127]] mission and on the final Space Shuttle mission, [[STS-135]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Nail |first=Rachael |date=July 16, 2021 |title=Commander of first crewed SpaceX launch Doug Hurley retires |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2021/07/16/commander-first-crewed-spacex-launch-doug-hurley-retires/7991847002/ |access-date=July 4, 2023 |publisher=Florida Today}}</ref>

The first orbital test of Crew Dragon was an uncrewed mission, commonly called "Demo-1" <!-- SpaceX designated "Crew Demo-1", NASA designated "SpaceX Demo-1" --> and launched on March 2, 2019.<ref name=nasa-20190206>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|title=NASA, Partners Update Commercial Crew Launch Dates|work=NASA Commercial Crew Program Blog|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302204511/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL0tbOZYhE|title=Crew Demo-1 &#124; Launch|website=[[YouTube]]|date=March 2, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308142733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL0tbOZYhE|url-status=live}}</ref> The spacecraft tested the approach and automated docking procedures with the ISS,<ref name=nasa-20190303>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/03/03/spacex-crew-dragon-hatch-open/|title=SpaceX Crew Dragon Hatch Open|publisher=NASA|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304111704/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/03/03/spacex-crew-dragon-hatch-open/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> remained docked until March 8, 2019, then conducted the full re-entry, splashdown and recovery steps to qualify for a crewed mission.<ref name=missionlength>{{cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/crew_demo-1_press_kit.pdf |title=Crew Demo 1 Mission Overview|publisher=SpaceX|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302235308/https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/crew_demo-1_press_kit.pdf|url-status=live|date=March 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aAe0GWIWGI|title=SpaceX #CrewDragon Demonstration Flight Return to Earth|date=March 8, 2019 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Life-support systems were monitored for the entirety the test flight. The same capsule was planned to be re-used in June 2019 for an in-flight abort test before it exploded on April 20, 2019.<ref name=nasa-20190206 /><ref name="NASA anomaly">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/spacexs-crew-dragon-spacecraft-anomaly-static-fire-testing/|title=SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft suffers an anomaly during static fire testing at Cape Canaveral|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|author=Baylor, Michael|date=April 20, 2019|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401121754/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/spacexs-crew-dragon-spacecraft-anomaly-static-fire-testing/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Explosion during testing === On April 20, 2019, {{ComV|SpaceX Crew Dragon|C204|full=nolink}}, the capsule used in the [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]] mission, was destroyed in an explosion during static fire testing at the [[Landing Zone 1]] facility.<ref>{{cite tweet |last1=Bridenstine|first1=Jim|user=JimBridenstine|number=1119754804258062337|date=April 20, 2019|title=NASA has been notified about the results of the @SpaceX Static Fire Test and the anomaly that occurred during the final test. We will work closely to ensure we safely move forward with our Commercial Crew Program.|access-date=April 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-crew-dragon-spaceship-test-explosion-2019-5|title=SpaceX confirmed that its Crew Dragon spaceship for NASA was 'destroyed' by a recent test. Here's what we learned about the explosive failure.|last=Mosher |first=Dave|work=Business Insider|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507103434/https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-crew-dragon-spaceship-test-explosion-2019-5|url-status=live}}</ref> On the day of the explosion, the initial testing of the Crew Dragon's [[SpaceX Draco|Draco thrusters]] was successful, with the anomaly occurring during the test of the [[SuperDraco]] abort system.<ref name="spacex_explosion_update">{{cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|title=Update: In-Flight Abort Static Fire Test Anomaly Investigation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413005920/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|archive-date=April 13, 2020 |last=Shanklin|first=Emily|date=July 15, 2019|publisher=SpaceX|access-date=July 18, 2019}}</ref>

Telemetry, high-speed camera footage, and analysis of recovered debris indicate the problem occurred when a small amount of [[dinitrogen tetroxide]] leaked into a [[helium]] line used to pressurize the propellant tanks. The leakage apparently occurred during pre-test processing. As a result, the pressurization of the system 100 ms before firing damaged a [[check valve]] and resulted in the explosion.<ref name="spacex_explosion_update" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/|title=Explosion that destroyed SpaceX Crew Dragon is blamed on leaking valve|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716024855/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-explosion-destroyed-crew-dragon-spacecraft-blamed-on-leaking-valve/ |url-status=live|first=Harwood |last=William|work=CBS News|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 16, 2019}}</ref>

SpaceX modified the Dragon 2 replacing check valves with [[burst disc]]s, which are designed for single use, and the adding of flaps to each SuperDraco to seal the thrusters prior to splashdown, preventing water intrusion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=November 14, 2019 |title=SpaceX fires up redesigned Crew Dragon as NASA reveals SuperDraco thruster 'flaps' |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-fires-redesigned-crew-dragon-superdraco-flaps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116151800/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-fires-redesigned-crew-dragon-superdraco-flaps/ |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2019 |work=Teslarati}}</ref> The SuperDraco engine test was repeated on November 13, 2019, with {{ComV|SpaceX Crew Dragon|C205|full=nolink}}. The test was successful, showing that the modifications made to the vehicle were successful.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/13/spacex-fires-up-crew-dragon-thrusters-in-key-test-after-april-explosion/|title=SpaceX fires up Crew Dragon thrusters in key test after April explosion|work=Spaceflight Now|first=Stephen|last=Clark|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606132003/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/13/spacex-fires-up-crew-dragon-thrusters-in-key-test-after-april-explosion/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the destroyed capsule had been slated for use in the upcoming in-flight abort test, the explosion and investigation delayed that test and the subsequent crewed orbital test.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Eric M. |date=June 18, 2019 |title=NASA boss says no doubt SpaceX explosion delays flight program |url=https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/world/nasa-boss-says-no-doubt-spacex-explosion-delays-flight-program-323465/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618101321/https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/world/nasa-boss-says-no-doubt-spacex-explosion-delays-flight-program-323465/ |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=June 18, 2019 |work=[[Journal Pioneer]]}}</ref>

=== In-flight abort test === {{Main|Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test}} [[File:KSC-20200119-PH-AWG04 0008.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Liftoff of Crew Dragon in-flight abort test]]

The Crew Dragon in-flight abort test was launched on January 19, 2020, at 15:30 UTC from [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] on a [[Sub-orbital spaceflight|suborbital]] trajectory to conduct a separation and abort scenario in the [[troposphere]] at [[transonic]] velocities shortly after passing through [[Max q|max Q]], where the vehicle experiences maximum aerodynamic pressure. The Dragon 2 used its [[SuperDraco]] abort engines to push itself away from the Falcon 9 after an intentional premature engine cutoff, after which the Falcon was destroyed by aerodynamic forces. The Dragon followed its suborbital trajectory to apogee, at which point the spacecraft's trunk was jettisoned. The smaller [[SpaceX Draco|Draco]] engines were then used to orient the vehicle for the descent. All major functions were executed, including separation, engine firings, parachute deployment, and landing.

Dragon 2 splashed down at 15:38:54 UTC just off the Florida coast in the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|title=NASA, SpaceX Complete Final Major Flight Test of Crew Spacecraft|first=Karen|last=Northon|date=January 19, 2020|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 3, 2020|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123115852/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The test objective was to demonstrate the ability to safely move away from the ascending rocket under the most challenging atmospheric conditions of the flight trajectory, imposing the worst structural stress of a real flight on the rocket and spacecraft.<ref name="nsf20140828" /> The abort test was performed using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket with a fully fueled second stage with a mass simulator replacing the [[SpaceX Merlin|Merlin]] engine.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/second-spacex-crew-flight-ordered-nasa/|title=Second SpaceX Crew Flight Ordered by NASA|work=Spaceflight Insider |first=Derek|last=Richardson|date=July 30, 2016|access-date=August 9, 2016|quote=Currently, the first uncrewed test of the spacecraft is expected to launch in May 2017. Sometime after that, SpaceX plans to conduct an in-flight abort to test the SuperDraco thrusters while the rocket is traveling through the area of maximum dynamic pressure – Max Q.|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806174828/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/second-spacex-crew-flight-ordered-nasa/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Earlier, this test had been scheduled before the uncrewed orbital test,<ref name="shotwell-crewdragon">{{cite news|last=Foust|first=Jeff|url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year|work=SpaceNews|date=February 4, 2016|quote=Shotwell said the company is planning an in-flight abort test of the Crew Dragon spacecraft before the end of this year, where the vehicle uses its thrusters to separate from a Falcon 9 rocket during ascent. That will be followed in 2017 by two demonstration flights to the International Space Station, the first without a crew and the second with astronauts on board, and then the first operational mission.|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> however, SpaceX and NASA considered it safer to use a flight representative capsule rather than the test article from the pad abort test.<ref name="nasa-fidelity">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/more-fidelity-for-spacex-in-flight-abort-reduces-risk/|title=More Fidelity for SpaceX In-Flight Abort Reduces Risk|last=Siceloff|first=Steven|date=July 1, 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 19, 2016|quote=In the updated plan, SpaceX would launch its uncrewed flight test (DM-1), refurbish the flight test vehicle, then conduct the in-flight abort test prior to the crew flight test. Using the same vehicle for the in-flight abort test will improve the realism of the ascent abort test and reduce risk.|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616202356/http://www.nasa.gov/feature/more-fidelity-for-spacex-in-flight-abort-reduces-risk/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

This test was previously planned to use the capsule C204 from Demo-1, however, C204 was destroyed in an explosion during a static fire testing on April 20, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|title=Update: In-Flight Abort Static Fire Test Anomaly Investigation|last=Shanklin|first=Emily|date=July 15, 2019 |publisher=SpaceX|access-date=January 26, 2020|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715213628/https://www.spacex.com/news/2019/07/15/update-flight-abort-static-fire-anomaly-investigation|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Crew Dragon C205|Capsule C205]], originally planned for Demo-2 was used for the In-Flight Abort Test<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/|title=SpaceX conducts successful Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test|date=January 17, 2020|website=NASA Spaceflight|access-date=January 26, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525051635/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/spacex-crew-dragon-in-flight-abort-test/|url-status=live}}</ref> with C206 being planned for use during Demo-2. This was the final flight test of the spacecraft before it began carrying astronauts to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Prior to the flight test, teams completed launch day procedures for the first crewed flight test, from suit-up to launch pad operations. The joint teams conducted full data reviews that needed to be completed prior to NASA astronauts flying on the system during SpaceX's Demo-2 mission.<ref name="NASA 19 January 2020">{{cite web|last1=Northon|first1=Karen|title=NASA, SpaceX Complete Final Major Flight Test of Crew Spacecraft|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|publisher=NASA|access-date=January 26, 2020|date=January 19, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125045217/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-complete-final-major-flight-test-of-crew-spacecraft|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>[[File:The SpaceX Crew Dragon as it approached the International Space Station (iss063e021563).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|SpaceX Crew Dragon ''Endeavour'' as it approached the International Space Station]] === Demo-2: crewed orbital flight test === {{Main|Crew Dragon Demo-2}}[[File:SpaceX Demo-2 Landing (NHQ202008020028).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|''Endeavour'' capsule being recovered after splashdown]]On April 17, 2020, NASA administrator [[Jim Bridenstine]] announced the first crewed [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]] to the International Space Station would launch on May 27, 2020.<ref>{{cite tweet|last=Bridenstine |first=Jim|user=JimBridenstine|number=1251178705633841167|date=April 17, 2020|title=BREAKING: On May 27, @NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil! With our @SpaceX partners, @Astro_Doug and @AstroBehnken will launch to the @Space_Station on the #CrewDragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Let's #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/RINb3mfRWI|access-date=April 17, 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Astronauts [[Bob Behnken]] and [[Doug Hurley]] crewed the mission, marking the first crewed launch to the International Space Station from U.S. soil since [[STS-135]] in July 2011. The original launch was postponed to May 30, 2020, due to weather conditions at the launch site.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1265739654810091520|date=May 27, 2020|title=Standing down from launch today due to unfavorable weather in the flight path. Our next launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30 at 19:22 UTC|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref> The second launch attempt was successful, with capsule C206, later named ''[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|Endeavour]]'' by the crew, launching on 30 May 2020 19:22 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1266812530833240064|date=May 30, 2020|title=Liftoff! |access-date=May 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=elonmusk|number=1266890648587776003|date=May 30, 2020|title=Dragonship Endeavor}}</ref> The capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station on May 31, 2020, at 14:27 UTC.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1267098143805435904|date=May 31, 2020|title=Docking confirmed – Crew Dragon has arrived at the @space_station!|access-date=May 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SpaceX's historic Demo-2 delivers NASA astronauts to ISS |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/spacexs-historic-demo-2-delivers-nasa-astronauts-to-iss/ |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bartels |first=Meghan (last update) |date=May 31, 2020 |title=SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon with astronauts docks at space station in historic rendezvous |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-demo-2-docking-success.html |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> On August 2, 2020, Crew Dragon undocked and splashed-down successfully in the Atlantic Ocean. Launching in the Dragon 2 spacecraft was described by astronaut Bob Behnken as "smooth off the pad" but "we were definitely driving and riding a dragon all the way up ... a little bit less g's [than the [[Space Shuttle]]] but more 'alive' is probably the best way I would describe it".<ref>"We were surprised a little bit at how smooth things were off the pad ... and our expectation was as we continued with the flight into second stage that things would basically get a lot smoother than the Space Shuttle did, but Dragon was huffing and puffing all the way into orbit, and we were definitely driving and riding a dragon all the way up, and so it was not quite the same ride, the smooth ride as the Space Shuttle was up to MECO. A little bit less g's but a little bit more 'alive' is probably the best way I would describe it". {{cite AV media|title=NASA Astronauts Arrive at the International Space Station on SpaceX Spacecraft|date=May 31, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyNl87mXOkc|access-date=May 31, 2020|time=03:46:02}}</ref>

Regarding descent in the spacecraft, Behnken stated, "Once we descended a little bit into the atmosphere, Dragon really came alive. It started to fire thrusters and keep us pointed in the appropriate direction. The atmosphere starts to make noise—you can hear that rumble outside the vehicle. And as the vehicle tries to control, you feel a little bit of that shimmy in your body. ... We could feel those small rolls and pitches and yaws—all those little motions were things we picked up on inside the vehicle. ... All the separation events, from the trunk separation through the parachute firings, were very much like getting hit in the back of the chair with a baseball bat ... pretty light for the trunk separation but with the parachutes it was a pretty significant jolt".<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |title=SpaceX: Nasa crew describe rumbles and jolts of return to Earth |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53658837 |first=Paul |last=Rincon |date=August 4, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805021702/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53658837|archive-date=August 5, 2020}}</ref>

{{clear}}

== List of vehicles == The following is a list of prototype, Crew Dragon, and Cargo Dragon vehicles.<ref name="NSF1">{{cite web|title=NASA briefly updates status of Crew Dragon anomaly, SpaceX test schedule|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/nasa-briefly-crew-dragon-anomaly-spacex-schedule/|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821140952/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/nasa-briefly-crew-dragon-anomaly-spacex-schedule/|url-status=live |last1=Gebhardt|first1=Chris|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=May 29, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref><ref name="SCR00CHY">{{cite web|author1=((SCR00CHY))|title=List of Dragon Capsules|url=https://www.elonx.net/list-of-dragon-capsules/|website=ElonX.net|access-date=June 3, 2020|date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603193039/https://www.elonx.net/list-of-dragon-capsules/|archive-date=June 3, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GunterSpacePage2">{{cite web|title=Crew Dragon |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dragon-v2.htm |publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=June 11, 2019}}</ref> {{Sticky header}} {| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="font-size:90%" ! {{Abbr|No.|Serial number}} ! Name ! Type ! Status ! Flights ! Flight<br>time ! Total<br>flight time ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Cat.|Commons category}} |- | {{Visible anchor|[[SpaceX DragonFly|C201]]}} | ''DragonFly'' | Prototype | {{Draw|Retired}} | 1 | {{time interval|May 6, 2015, 13:00|6 May 2015, 13:01:39|abbr=on|show=s}} ([[Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test|Pad Abort Test]]) | {{time interval|May 6, 2015, 13:00|6 May 2015, 13:01:39|abbr=on|show=s}} | Prototype used for [[Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test|pad abort test]] at [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]] and tethered hover tests at the [[SpaceX launch facilities|McGregor Test Facility]]. | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon DragonFly]] |- | {{Visible anchor|C202}} | {{color|grey|None}} | Prototype | {{Draw|Retired}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | Pressure vessel qualification module used for structural testing. | |- | {{Visible anchor|C203}} | {{color|grey|None}} | Prototype | {{yes2|In use}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | {{Color|grey|N/A}} | Environmental control and life support system testing module, still in use for [[human-in-the-loop]] testing. | |- | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon C204|C204]]}} | {{color|grey|None}} | Crew | {{No|Destroyed}} | 1 | {{Time interval|2019-03-2 07:49:03|2019-03-08 13:45:08|show=dhm|abbr=on}} ([[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]]) | {{Time interval|2019-03-2 07:49:03|2019-03-08 13:45:08|show=dhm|abbr=on}} | First Dragon 2 to fly in space. Only flight was [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]]; accidentally destroyed during ground testing of the abort thrusters weeks after the flight. | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon C204]] |- | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon C205|C205]]}} | {{color|grey|None}} | Crew | {{Draw|Retired}} | 1 | {{Time interval|January 19, 2020, 15:30:00|19 January 2020, 15:38:54|show=hms|abbr=on}} ([[Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test|In-Flight Abort Test]]) | {{Time interval|January 19, 2020, 15:30:00|19 January 2020, 15:38:54|show=hms|abbr=on}} | Was originally to be used on [[Crew Dragon Demo-2|Demo-2]] but instead flew the [[Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test]] due to the destruction of C204 and was retired afterwards. | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon C205]] |- | rowspan=6 | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206]]}} | rowspan=6 | ''[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|Endeavour]]'' | rowspan=6 | Crew | rowspan=6 {{Active}} | rowspan=6 | 6 | {{time interval|30 May 2020 19:22:45|2 August 2020 18:48:06|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Crew Dragon Demo-2|Demo-2]]) | rowspan=6 | 868d{{nbsp}}14h{{nbsp}}13m | rowspan=6 | First vehicle to carry crew; named after {{OV|105}}. First flown during [[Crew Dragon Demo-2|Crew Demo-2]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/27/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo-2-mission-status-center/|title=NASA astronauts launch from U.S. soil for first time in nine years|work=Spaceflight Now|date=May 30, 2020|access-date=May 31, 2020|archive-date=May 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531005857/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/27/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo-2-mission-status-center/|url-status=live}}</ref> Has since flown [[SpaceX Crew-2|Crew-2]],<ref name="FoustReuse">{{cite tweet |number=1286312153193029633 |user=jeff_foust |title=McErlean: NASA's plans call for reusing the Falcon 9 booster from the Crew-1 mission on the Crew-2 mission, and to reuse the Demo-2 capsule for Crew-2 as well. |date=July 23, 2020}}</ref> [[Axiom-1]], [[SpaceX Crew-6|Crew-6]], [[SpaceX Crew-8|Crew-8]], and [[SpaceX Crew-11|Crew-11]]. First Dragon to fly beyond the initial certification of 5 flights per Dragon. | rowspan=6 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon Endeavour]] |- | {{time interval|23 April 2021 09:49:02|9 November 2021 03:33:15|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-2|Crew-2]]) |- | {{time interval|8 April 2022 15:17:11|25 April 2022 17:06:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Axiom-1]]) |- | {{time interval|2 March 2023 05:34:14|4 September 2023 04:17:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-6|Crew-6]]) |- | {{time interval|4 March 2024 03:53:38|25 October 2024 07:29:02|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-8|Crew-8]]) |- | {{Time interval|August 1, 2025, 15:43:42|January 15, 2026, 08:41:37|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-11|Crew-11]]) |- | rowspan=4 | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon Resilience|C207]]}} | rowspan=4 | ''[[Crew Dragon Resilience|Resilience]]'' | rowspan=4 | Crew | rowspan=4 {{Active}} | rowspan=4 | 4 | {{time interval|16 November 2020 00:27:17|2 May 2021 06:56:33|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]]) | rowspan=4 | 178d{{nbsp}}19h{{nbsp}}17m | rowspan=4 | First flew on [[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]] on November 16, 2020.<ref name="NASAMay02">{{cite web |date=May 2, 2021 |title=Crew-1 Makes Nighttime Splashdown, Ends Mission |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/crew-1/2021/05/02/crew-1-makes-nighttime-splashdown-ends-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502072154/https://blogs.nasa.gov/crew-1/2021/05/02/crew-1-makes-nighttime-splashdown-ends-mission/ |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |publisher=NASA}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Has since flown private spaceflight missions [[Inspiration4]], [[Polaris Dawn]], and [[Fram2]]. | rowspan=4 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon Resilience]] |- | style="white-space: nowrap;" | {{time interval|16 September 2021 00:02:56|18 September 2021 23:06:49|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Inspiration4]]) |- | {{time interval|10 September 2024 09:23:49|15 September 2024 07:36:54|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Polaris Dawn]]) |- | {{time interval|April 1, 2025, 01:46:50|4 April 2025, 16:19:28|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Fram2]]) |- | rowspan=5 | {{Visible anchor|[[Cargo Dragon C208|C208]]}} | rowspan=5 | {{color|grey|None}} | rowspan=5 | Cargo | rowspan=5 {{Active}} | rowspan=5 | 5 | {{time interval|December 6, 2020, 16:17:08|14 January 2021, 01:26|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-21|CRS-21]]) | rowspan=5 | 175d{{nbsp}}13h{{nbsp}}52m | rowspan=5 | First Cargo Dragon 2, which flew the [[SpaceX CRS-21|CRS-21]], [[SpaceX CRS-23|CRS-23]], [[SpaceX CRS-25|CRS-25]], [[SpaceX CRS-28|CRS-28]] and [[SpaceX CRS-31|CRS-31]] missions.<ref name="SpaceX_Tweet_Splashdown">{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1349528716951474177|date=January 13, 2021|title=Splashdown of Dragon confirmed, completing SpaceX's 21st @Space_Station resupply mission and the first return of a cargo resupply spacecraft off the coast of Florida|access-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528082831/https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1349528716951474177|archive-date=May 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | rowspan=5 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Cargo Dragon C208]] |- | {{time interval|August 29, 2021, 07:14:49|1 October 2021, 02:57|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-23|CRS-23]]) |- | {{time interval|July 15, 2022, 00:44:22|20 August 2022, 18:53|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-25|CRS-25]]) |- | {{time interval|June 5, 2023, 15:47|30 June 2023, 14:30|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-28|CRS-28]]) |- | {{time interval|November 5, 2024, 02:29|17 December 2024, 18:39|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-31|CRS-31]]) |- | rowspan=6 | {{Visible anchor|[[Cargo Dragon C209|C209]]}} | rowspan=6 | {{color|grey|None}} | rowspan=6 | Cargo | rowspan=6 {{Active}}<br />(in space) | rowspan=6 | 6 | {{time interval|June 3, 2021, 17:29:15|10 July 2021, 03:29|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-22|CRS-22]]) | rowspan=6 | {{time in space|May 15, 2026, 22:05:41|175|23|36}} | rowspan=6 | Second Cargo Dragon 2, which flew the [[SpaceX CRS-22|CRS-22]], [[SpaceX CRS-24|CRS-24]], [[SpaceX CRS-27|CRS-27]], [[SpaceX CRS-30|CRS-30]] and [[SpaceX CRS-32|CRS-32]] missions. | rowspan=6 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Cargo Dragon C209]] |- | {{time interval|December 21, 2021, 10:07:08|24 January 2022, 21:05|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-24|CRS-24]]) |- | {{time interval|March 15, 2023, 00:30|15 April 2023, 20:58|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-27|CRS-27]]) |- | {{time interval|June 5, 2023, 15:47|30 June 2023, 14:30|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-30|CRS-30]]) |- | {{time interval|April 21, 2025, 08:15|25 May 2025, 05:44|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-32|CRS-32]]) |- | {{Time interval|May 15, 2026, 22:05:41||abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-34|CRS-34]], ''in progress'') |- | rowspan=4 | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon C210|C210]]}} | rowspan=4 | [[Crew Dragon Endurance|''Endurance'']] | rowspan=4 | Crew | rowspan=4 {{Active}} | rowspan=4 | 4 | {{time interval|11 November 2021 02:03:30|6 May 2022 04:43:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3]]) | rowspan=4 | 680d{{nbsp}}7h{{nbsp}}28m | rowspan=4 | First flew on [[SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3]] on November 11, 2021.<ref name="nasa-20211025">{{cite web|last=Garcia|first=Mark|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/what-you-need-to-know-about-nasa-s-spacex-crew-3-mission/|title=What You Need to Know about NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 Mission|publisher=NASA|date=October 25, 2021|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> Has since flown [[SpaceX Crew-5|Crew-5]], [[SpaceX Crew-7|Crew-7]], and [[SpaceX Crew-10|Crew-10]]. | rowspan=4 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon Endurance]] |- | {{time interval|5 October 2022 16:00:57|12 March 2023 02:02|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-5|Crew-5]]) |- | {{time interval|26 August 2023 07:27:27|12 March 2024 09:47:44|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-7|Crew-7]]) |- | {{Time interval|March 14, 2025, 23:03:48|August 9, 2025, 15:33:20|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-10|Crew-10]]) |- | rowspan=3 | {{Visible anchor|[[Cargo Dragon C211|C211]]}} | rowspan=3 | {{color|grey|None}} | rowspan=3 | Cargo | rowspan=3 {{Active}} | rowspan=3 | 3 | {{time interval|November 26, 2022, 19:20:42|11 January 2023, 10:19|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-26|CRS-26]]) | rowspan=3 | 275d 12h 2m | rowspan=3 | Third Cargo Dragon 2, which flew the [[SpaceX CRS-26|CRS-26]], [[SpaceX CRS-29|CRS-29]],<ref name="sfn20211006" /><ref name="Kanayama">{{Cite web |last=Kanayama |first=Lee |date=September 16, 2022 |title=SpaceX and NASA in final preparations for Crew-5 mission |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/09/crew-5-preperations/ |access-date=September 17, 2022 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> [[SpaceX CRS-33|CRS-33]] missions. | rowspan=3 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Cargo Dragon C211]] |- | {{time interval|November 10, 2023, 01:28|22 December 2023, 17:33|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-29|CRS-29]]) |- | {{Time interval|August 24, 2025, 02:45:00|February 27, 2026, 07:44|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX CRS-33|CRS-33]]) |- | rowspan=5 | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212]]}} | rowspan=5 | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|''Freedom'']] | rowspan=5 | Crew | rowspan=5 {{Active}}<br />(docked to ISS) | rowspan=5 | 5 | {{time interval|27 April 2022 07:52:55|14 October 2022 20:55:03|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-4|Crew-4]]) | rowspan=5 | {{time in space|February 13, 2026, 10:15:56|372|14|50}} | rowspan=5 | First flew on [[SpaceX Crew-4|Crew-4]] on April 24, 2022.<ref name="sfn20211006">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/10/06/spacex-is-adding-two-more-crew-dragons-to-its-fleet/ |title=SpaceX is adding two more Crew Dragons to its fleet|first=Stephen|last=Clark|work=Spaceflight Now|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> Has since flown [[Axiom Mission 2|Axiom-2]], [[Axiom Mission 3|Axiom-3]], [[SpaceX Crew-9|Crew-9]], and [[SpaceX Crew-12|Crew-12]]. | rowspan=5 | [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon Freedom]] |- | {{time interval|21 May 2023 21:37:09|31 May 2023 03:04:24|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Axiom Mission 2|Axiom-2]]) |- | {{time interval|18 January 2024 21:49:11|9 February 2024, 13:30|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Axiom Mission 3|Axiom-3]]) |- | {{Time interval|September 28, 2024, 17:17:21|18 March 2025, 21:57:07|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-9|Crew-9]]) |- | {{Time interval|February 13, 2026, 10:15:56||abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[SpaceX Crew-12|Crew-12]], ''in progress'') |- | rowspan=1 | {{Visible anchor|[[Crew Dragon C213|C213]]}} | rowspan=1 | [[Crew Dragon Grace|''Grace'']] | rowspan=1 | Crew | rowspan=1 {{Active}} | rowspan=1 | 1 | rowspan=1 | {{Time interval|June 25, 2025, 06:31:52|15 July 2025, 09:31:36|abbr=on|show=dhm}} ([[Axiom Mission 4|Axiom-4]]) | rowspan=1 | 20d 2h 59m | rowspan=1 | First flew on [[Axiom Mission 4|Axiom-4]]. |[[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Crew Dragon Grace]] |}

== List of flights == List includes only completed or currently manifested missions. Dates are listed in [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]], and for future events, they are the earliest possible opportunities (also known as {{Abbr|NET|no earlier than}} dates) and may change.

=== Crew Dragon flights === {{Sticky header}} {| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="font-size:90%" ! Mission and [[Mission patch|patch]] ! Capsule<ref name="GunterSpacePage2" /> ! Launch&nbsp;date<br/>Landing&nbsp;date<br/>Duration ! Launch pad ! Landing site ! Destination ! Remarks ! Crew ! Outcome |- | [[Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test|Pad Abort Test]]<br/>([[:File:Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Dragon 2 DragonFly|C201<br/>''DragonFly'']] | May&nbsp;6, 2015 | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Atlantic Ocean | {{N/A}} | Simulating an escape from a rocket failure on the ground, Crew Dragon's SuperDraco engines lifted the capsule from a ground pad at [[SLC-40]] and propelled it to a safe splashdown in the nearby ocean. | {{N/A}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]]<br/>([[:File:Crew Dragon Demo-1.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon C204|C204]] | March&nbsp;2, 2019<br/>March&nbsp;8, 2019<br/>{{Time interval|2019-03-2 07:49:03|2019-03-08 13:45:08|show=dhm|abbr=on}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | ISS | Uncrewed orbital test flight, successfully docked with the ISS. | {{N/A}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test|In-Flight<br/>Abort Test]]<br/>([[:File:Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon C205|C205]] | January&nbsp;19, 2020 | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | {{N/A}} |Booster was commanded to simulate an in-flight engine failure. In response, Crew Dragon's SuperDraco engines fired successfully, propelling the capsule away to a safe splashdown. | {{N/A}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Crew Dragon Demo-2|Demo-2]]<br/>[[File:Crew Dragon Demo-2 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}1 ''Endeavour'']] | May&nbsp;30, 2020<br/>August&nbsp;2, 2020<br/>{{time interval|30 May 2020 19:22:45|2 August 2020 18:48:06|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | First crewed flight test of Dragon 2. The mission was extended from two weeks to nine to allow the crew to bolster activity on the ISS ahead of [[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]]. | {{ubli|[[Doug Hurley]]|[[Bob Behnken]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-1 logo.svg|frameless|50x50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Resilience|C207{{nbhyph}}1 ''Resilience'']] | November&nbsp;16,&nbsp;2020<br/>May&nbsp;2, 2021<br/>{{time interval|16 November 2020 00:27:17|2 May 2021 06:56:33|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | First operational Commercial Crew flight. | {{ubli|[[Michael S. Hopkins|Michael Hopkins]]|[[Victor Glover]]|[[Soichi Noguchi]]|[[Shannon Walker]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-2|Crew-2]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-2 logo.png|frameless|50x50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}2 ''Endeavour'']] | April&nbsp;23, 2021<br/>November&nbsp;9, 2021<br/>{{time interval|23 April 2021 09:49:02|9 November 2021 03:33:15|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | First reuse of a capsule and booster rocket. | {{ubli|[[Shane Kimbrough]]|[[K. Megan McArthur|Megan McArthur]]|[[Akihiko Hoshide]]|[[Thomas Pesquet]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Inspiration4]]<br/>([[:File:Inspiration4.png|patch 1]])<br/>([[:File:SpaceX Inspiration4 insignia.png|patch 2]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Resilience|C207{{nbhyph}}2 ''Resilience'']] | September&nbsp;16,&nbsp;2021<br/>September&nbsp;18, 2021<br/>{{time interval|16 September 2021 00:02:56|18 September 2021 23:06:49|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | Low Earth orbit | The first fully private, all-civilian orbital flight. Crew reached a {{cvt|585|km}} orbit and conducted science experiments and public outreach activities for three days.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1438336379830915072|title=Second phasing burn complete|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916035116/https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1438336379830915072|url-status=live|website=Twitter|archive-date=September 16, 2021|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> First standalone orbital Crew Dragon flight and the first flight with the cupola. | {{ubli|[[Jared Isaacman]]|[[Sian Proctor]]|[[Hayley Arceneaux]]|[[Christopher Sembroski]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-3 logo.svg|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endurance|C210{{nbhyph}}1 ''Endurance'']] | November&nbsp;11, 2021<br/>May&nbsp;6, 2022<br/>{{time interval|11 November 2021 02:03:30|6 May 2022 04:43:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Raja Chari]]|[[Thomas Marshburn]]|[[Kayla Barron]]|[[Matthias Maurer]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Axiom Mission 1|Axiom-1]]<br/>([[:File:Axiom Mission 1.png|patch]]) | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}3 ''Endeavour'']] | April&nbsp;8, 2022<br/>April&nbsp;25, 2022<br/>{{time interval|8 April 2022 15:17:11|25 April 2022 17:06:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | ISS | First fully private flight to the ISS. Contracted by [[Axiom Space]]. Axiom employee served as commander with three tourists. | {{ubli|[[Michael López-Alegría]]{{Efn|Axiom Space employee|name=Axiom employee}}|[[Larry Connor]]|[[Eytan Stibbe]]|[[Mark Pathy]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-4|Crew-4]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew 4 logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212{{nbhyph}}1 ''Freedom'']] | April&nbsp;27, 2022<br/>October&nbsp;14, 2022<br/>{{time interval|27 April 2022 07:52:55|14 October 2022 20:55:03|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Kjell Lindgren]]|[[Robert Hines (astronaut)|Bob Hines]]|[[Samantha Cristoforetti]]|[[Jessica Watkins]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-5|Crew-5]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-5 logo no names.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endurance|C210{{nbhyph}}2 ''Endurance'']] | October&nbsp;5, 2022<br/>March&nbsp;12, 2023<br/>{{time interval|5 October 2022 16:00:57|12 March 2023 02:02|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | First crew to include a Russian cosmonaut as part of Dragon–Soyuz seat swap program.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 26, 2021|title=Rogozin says Crew Dragon safe for Russian cosmonauts|url=https://spacenews.com/rogozin-says-crew-dragon-safe-for-russian-cosmonauts/|access-date=October 29, 2021|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref> | {{ubli|[[Nicole Aunapu Mann]]|[[Josh A. Cassada|Josh Cassada]]|[[Koichi Wakata]]|[[Anna Kikina]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-6|Crew-6]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-6 logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}4 ''Endeavour'']] | March&nbsp;2, 2023<br/>September&nbsp;4, 2023<br/>{{time interval|2 March 2023 05:34:14|4 September 2023 04:17:23|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Stephen Bowen (astronaut)|Stephen Bowen]]|[[Warren Hoburg]]|[[Sultan Al Neyadi]]|[[Andrey Fedyaev]]}} | {{Success|Success}} |- | [[Axiom Mission 2|Axiom-2]]<br/>([[:File:Axiom Mission 2 Patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212{{nbhyph}}2 ''Freedom'']] | May&nbsp;21, 2023<br/>May&nbsp;31, 2023<br/>{{time interval|21 May 2023 21:37:09|31 May 2023 03:04:24|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | Fully private flight to the ISS. Contracted by Axiom Space. Axiom employee served as commander, other seats purchased by [[Saudi Space Agency|SSA]] and a tourist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2023 |title=Saudi astronauts to research cancer, cloud seeding, microgravity in space |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/03/23/Saudi-astronauts-to-research-cancer-cloud-seeding-microgravity-in-space |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref> | {{ubli|[[Peggy Whitson]]{{Efn|name=Axiom employee}}|[[John Shoffner]]|[[Ali AlQarni]]|[[Rayyanah Barnawi]]}} | {{success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-7|Crew-7]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-7 logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endurance|C210{{nbhyph}}3 ''Endurance'']] | August&nbsp;26, 2023<br/>March&nbsp;12, 2024<br/>{{time interval|26 August 2023 07:27:27|12 March 2024 09:47:44|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Jasmin Moghbeli]]|[[Andreas Mogensen]]|[[Satoshi Furukawa]]|[[Konstantin Borisov]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Axiom Mission 3|Axiom-3]]<br/>([[:File:Axiom 3 mission patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212{{nbhyph}}3 ''Freedom'']] | January&nbsp;18, 2024<br/>February&nbsp;9, 2024<br/>{{time interval|18 January 2024 21:49:11|9 February 2024, 13:30|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Atlantic Ocean | ISS | Fully private flight to the ISS. Axiom employee served as commander, other seats purchased by [[Italian Air Force|AM]], [[Turkish Space Agency|TUA]], and [[Swedish National Space Agency|SNSA]]/[[European Space Agency|ESA]].<ref name="nxsf-ax3">{{cite web | url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6790 | title=Falcon 9 Block 5 – Axiom Mission 3 (AX-3) | access-date=February 14, 2024| work=Next Spaceflight}}</ref> | {{ubli|[[Michael López-Alegría]]{{Efn|name=Axiom employee}}|[[Walter Villadei]]|[[Alper Gezeravcı]]|[[Marcus Wandt]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-8|Crew-8]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-8 logo.svg|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}5 ''Endeavour'']] | March&nbsp;4, 2024<br/>October&nbsp;25, 2024<br/>{{time interval|4 March 2024 03:53:38|25 October 2024 07:29:02|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | Longest Crew Dragon mission. ISS stay extended and two makeshift seats added to allow Crew-8 to serve as "lifeboat" for the [[Boeing CFT]] crew if needed. | {{ubli|[[Matthew Dominick]]|[[Michael R. Barratt|Michael Barratt]]|[[Jeanette Epps]]|[[Alexander Grebenkin]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Polaris Dawn]]<br/>([[:File:Polaris Dawn mission patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Resilience|C207{{nbhyph}}3 ''Resilience'']] | September&nbsp;10, 2024<br/>September&nbsp;15, 2024<br/>{{time interval|10 September 2024 09:23:49|15 September 2024 07:36:54|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Gulf of Mexico | Low Earth orbit | Fully private orbital flight, including two SpaceX employees. First of three planned flights of the private [[Polaris program|Polaris Program]]. Flew {{Convert|1400|km|abbr=on}} away from Earth, the highest orbit of the planet flown by a crewed spacecraft since the end of the Apollo program. Isaacman and Gillis made the first commercial spacewalk during the mission.<ref>{{cite news |title=Polaris Dawn mission set to launch early Friday morning after delays |url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/polaris-dawn-mission-set-launch-early-friday-morning-after-delays |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=[[WOFL|Fox 35 Orlando]] |date=September 3, 2024 |location=[[Orlando, Florida]]}}</ref> |{{ubli|[[Jared Isaacman]]|[[Scott Poteet]]|[[Sarah Gillis]]{{Efn|SpaceX employee|name=SpaceX employee}}|[[Anna Menon]]{{Efn|name=SpaceX employee}}}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-9|Crew-9]]<br/>[[File:Updated SpaceX Crew-9 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212{{nbhyph}}4 ''Freedom'']] | September&nbsp;28, 2024<br/>March&nbsp;18, 2025<br/>{{Time interval|September 28, 2024, 17:17:21|18 March 2025, 21:57:07|abbr=on|show=dhm}} |[[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Gulf of Mexico | ISS | Was the first crewed mission to launch from [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Niles-Carnes |first=Elyna |date=August 6, 2024 |title=NASA Adjusts Crew-9 Launch Date for Operational Flexibility – NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Mission |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/crew-9/2024/08/06/nasa-adjusts-crew-9-launch-date-for-operational-flexibility/ |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=[[NASA]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Launched with only two crew members and returned with the crew of the [[Boeing Crew Flight Test]] due to issues with the {{ComV|Starliner|Calypso}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2024 |title=NASA decides to keep 2 astronauts in space until February, nixes return on troublied Boeing capsule |url=https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spacex-nasa-astronauts-starliner-e4e81e5a6c23dee2f8f72260ddea011c |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> | {{ubli|[[Nick Hague]]|[[Aleksandr Gorbunov]]|[[Barry E. Wilmore]] (landing)|[[Sunita Williams]] (landing)}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-10|Crew-10]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-10 logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endurance|C210{{nbhyph}}4 ''Endurance'']] | March&nbsp;14, 2025<br/>August&nbsp;9, 2025<br/>{{Time interval|March 14, 2025, 23:03:48|August 9, 2025, 15:33:20|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Pacific Ocean | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Anne McClain]]|[[Nichole Ayers]]|[[Takuya Onishi]]|[[Kirill Peskov]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Fram2]]<br/>([[:File:Fram2 mission patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Resilience|C207{{nbhyph}}4 ''Resilience'']] | April&nbsp;1, 2025<br/>April&nbsp;4, 2025<br/>{{time interval|April 1, 2025, 01:46:50|4 April 2025, 16:19:28|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Pacific Ocean | Polar orbit | Fully private, all-civilian orbital flight. First crewed mission to launch into an [[polar orbit|orbit over the planet's poles]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |first=Jonathan |last=McDowell |author-link=Jonathan McDowell|user=planet4589 |number=1906922678067560513|title=First Space Force orbit data for Fram-2 out , showing it in a 202 x 413 km x 90.01 deg orbit|note=0.01° means it entered Retrograde orbit too}}</ref><ref name="ars20240826">{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (journalist) |date=August 12, 2024 |title=SpaceX announces first human mission to ever fly over the planet's poles |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/spacex-announces-first-human-mission-to-ever-fly-over-the-planets-poles/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> First crewed Dragon landing on the West Coast. | {{ubli|[[Chun Wang]]|[[Jannicke Mikkelsen]]|[[Rabea Rogge]]|[[Eric Philips (explorer)|Eric Philips]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[Axiom Mission 4|Axiom-4]]<br/>([[:File:Ax-4 Mission Patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | [[Crew Dragon Grace|C213{{nbhyph}}1<br/>''Grace'']] | June&nbsp;25, 2025<br/>July&nbsp;15, 2025<br/>{{Time interval|June 25, 2025, 06:31:52|15 July 2025, 09:31:36|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Pacific Ocean | ISS | Fully private flight to the ISS. Axiom employee served as commander; other seats purchased by [[ISRO]], [[Polish Space Agency|POLSA]]/[[ESA]], and [[Government of Hungary|Hungary]]. | {{ubli|[[Peggy Whitson]]{{Efn|name=Axiom employee}}|[[Shubhanshu Shukla]]|[[Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski]]|[[Tibor Kapu]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-11|Crew-11]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX Crew-11 logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Endeavour|C206{{nbhyph}}6 ''Endeavour'']] | August&nbsp;1, 2025<br/>January&nbsp;15, 2026<br/>{{Time interval|August 1, 2025, 15:43:42|January 15, 2026, 08:41:37|abbr=on|show=dhm}} | [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] | Pacific Ocean | ISS | Final Crew Dragon launch from [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]. Fastest Crew Dragon rendezvous to date. Mission returned a month earlier than planned due to an undisclosed medical condition of a crew member.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Adithi |date=January 8, 2026 |title=NASA cuts space station mission short after an astronaut's medical issue |url=https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacewalk-postponed-1a6f794035be86582025c196f8f9e7b5 |access-date=2026-01-08 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> | {{ubli|[[Zena Cardman]]|[[Michael Fincke]]|[[Kimiya Yui]]|[[Oleg Platonov (cosmonaut)|Oleg Platonov]]}} | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-12|Crew-12]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX_Crew-12_logo.png|50px]] | [[Crew Dragon Freedom|C212{{nbhyph}}5 ''Freedom'']] | February&nbsp;13, 2026<br/>September 2026<br/>{{Time interval|February 13, 2026, 10:15:56||abbr=on|show=dhm}}{{efn|in progress}} | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Jessica Meir]]|[[Jack Hathaway]]|[[Sophie Adenot]]|[[Andrey Fedyaev]]}} | {{Operational|In progress}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-13|Crew-13]]<br/>[[File:SpaceX_Crew-13_logo.png|50px]] | TBA | September 2026<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Mark A. |date=May 1, 2026 |title=NASA, Partners Update International Space Station 2026 Flight Plan |url=https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew/2026/05/01/nasa-partners-update-international-space-station-2026-flight-plan/ |access-date=May 6, 2026 |language=en}}</ref> | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | {{ubli|[[Jessica Watkins]]|[[Luke Delaney (astronaut)|Luke Delaney]]|[[Joshua Kutryk]]|[[Sergey Teteryatnikov]]}} | {{planned}} |- | [[Axiom Mission 5|Axiom-5]]<br/>([[:File:Ax-5 Mission Patch.png|patch]])<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | TBA | January 2027 | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | Fully private flight to the ISS. Axiom employee will serve as commander; other seats purchased TBA. | {{ubli|TBA{{Efn|name=Axiom employee}}|TBA|TBA|TBA}} | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-14|Crew-14]]<ref name="Crew10to14">{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/06/nasa-just-bought-all-the-seats-needed-for-space-station-crews-into-2030/|title=NASA just bought the rest of the space station crew flights from SpaceX|work=[[Ars Technica]]|last=Berger|first=Eric|author-link=Eric Berger (meteorologist)|date=June 3, 2022|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref><!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-15|Crew-15]]<ref name="Crew14-20">{{cite news|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-to-add-missions-to-spacex-commercial-crew-contract/|title=NASA to add missions to SpaceX commercial crew contract|author=Foust|date=May 24, 2026|access-date=May 24, 2026|first=Jeff}}</ref> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned)<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-16|Crew-16]]<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-17|Crew-17]]<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-18|Crew-18]]<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-19|Crew-19]]<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[SpaceX Crew-20|Crew-20]]<ref name="Crew14-20" /> | TBA | TBA | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | | TBA | {{planned}} |- | PAM-6<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-vast-for-sixth-private-mission-to-space-station|title=NASA Selects Vast for Sixth Private Mission to Space Station|first=Tiernan P.|last=Doyle|date=February 12, 2026|access-date=February 15, 2026|publisher=NASA}}</ref>{{Efn|name=Private Astronaut Mission|Private Astronaut Mission}} | TBA | Summer 2027 | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | First private flight to the ISS for Vast. | [[Thomas Pesquet]]<br />TBA<br />TBA<br />TBA | {{planned}} |- | [[Vast-1]]<!--Please do not insert any non-free images as visible images--> | TBA | 2027 | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | [[Haven-1]] | Private flight to Vast's [[Haven-1]] space station.<ref name="vast">{{cite news |last= |first= |author-link= |date=May 10, 2023 |title=VAST Announces the Haven-1 and VAST-1 Missions. |url=https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-announces-the-haven-1-and-vast-1-human-spaceflight-mission-launched-by-spacex-on-a-dragon-spacecraft |access-date=May 10, 2023 |work=Vast Space}}</ref> | TBA<br />[[Arnaud Prost]] | {{planned}} |- | [[VOYG-1]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-voyager-for-seventh-private-mission-to-space-station/|title=NASA Selects Voyager for Seventh Private Mission to Space Station|first=Gerelle Q.|last=Dodson|date=April 15, 2026|access-date=April 16, 2026|publisher=NASA}}</ref> | TBA | 2028 | [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]] | Pacific Ocean (planned) | ISS | First private flight to the ISS for Voyager. | TBA | {{planned}} |}

=== Cargo Dragon flights === {{Sticky header}} {| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="font-size:90%" ! Mission and Patch ! Capsule<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dragon CRS-21 – CRS-35 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dragon-v2c.htm |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}}</ref> ! Launch date ! Landing date ! Remarks ! Outcome |- | [[SpaceX CRS-21|CRS-21]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-21 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C208|C208{{nbhyph}}1]] | December&nbsp;6, 2020 | January&nbsp;14, 2021 | First SpaceX mission performed under the [[Commercial Resupply Services|CRS-2]] contract with [[NASA]] and the first flight of Cargo Dragon 2. Also delivered the [[Nanoracks Bishop Airlock]] module. | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-22|CRS-22]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-22 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}1]] | June&nbsp;3, 2021 | July&nbsp;10, 2021 | Also delivered solar arrays [[iROSA]] 1 and iROSA 2. | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-23|CRS-23]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-23 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C208|C208{{nbhyph}}2]] | August&nbsp;29, 2021 | October&nbsp;1, 2021 | | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-24|CRS-24]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-24 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}2]] | December&nbsp;21, 2021 | January&nbsp;24, 2022 | | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-25|CRS-25]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-25 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C208|C208{{nbhyph}}3]] | July&nbsp;15, 2022 | August&nbsp;20, 2022 | | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-26|CRS-26]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-26 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C211|C211{{nbhyph}}1]] | November&nbsp;26, 2022 | January&nbsp;11, 2023 | Also delivered solar arrays iROSA 3 and iROSA 4.<ref>{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-cargo-dragon-mission-to-iss/ |title=SpaceX launches cargo Dragon mission to ISS |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |quote=After CRS-25, the next commercial cargo mission is NG-18, a Northrop Grumman Cygnus mission tentatively scheduled for mid-October. The SpaceX CRS-26 Dragon mission will follow late in the year, delivering among other cargo a set of solar arrays to be installed on the station by spacewalking astronauts.}}</ref> | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-27|CRS-27]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-27 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}3]] | March&nbsp;15, 2023 | April&nbsp;15, 2023 | | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-28|CRS-28]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-28 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C208|C208{{nbhyph}}4]] | June&nbsp;5, 2023 | June&nbsp;30, 2023 | Also delivered solar arrays iROSA 5 and iROSA 6.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |title=SpaceX launches Dragon cargo ship to deliver new solar arrays to space station – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/26/spacex-launches-dragon-cargo-ship-to-deliver-new-solar-arrays-to-space-station/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |work=Spaceflight Now |date=November 26, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> With this mission, Dragon 2 fleet's 1,324 days in orbit surpassed the [[Space Shuttle]]. This was the 38th Dragon mission to ISS, surpassing the Shuttle's 37.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |date=June 9, 2023 |title=SpaceX Dragon breaks 2 space shuttle orbital records |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-breaks-space-shuttle-records |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-29|CRS-29]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-29 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C211|C211{{nbhyph}}2]] | November&nbsp;10, 2023 | December&nbsp;22, 2023 | | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-30|CRS-30]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-30 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}4]] | March&nbsp;21, 2024 | April&nbsp;30, 2024 | First Dragon 2 launch from [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]]. | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-31|CRS-31]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-31 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C208|C208{{nbhyph}}5]] | November&nbsp;5, 2024 | December&nbsp;16, 2024 | First Dragon to perform a reboost of the ISS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graf |first=Abby |date=November 8, 2024 |title=Dragon Spacecraft Boosts Station for First Time |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/11/08/dragon-spacecraft-boosts-station-for-first-time/ |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=[[NASA]] |language=en}}</ref> | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-32|CRS-32]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-32 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}5]] | April&nbsp;21, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Falcon 9 Block 5 {{!}} CRS SpX-32 |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6914 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref> | May&nbsp;25, 2025 |First Cargo Dragon to splash down in the Pacific Ocean. | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-33|CRS-33]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-33 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C211|C211{{nbhyph}}3]] | August&nbsp;24, 2025 | February&nbsp;27, 2026 | Equipped with a "boost kit" capable of performing multiple re-boosts of the ISS.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJVKM90SdKs |title=NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Post-Splashdown News Conference |date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 18, 2025 |time=1:04:24 |quote=There is a particular SpaceX cargo flight, CRS-33, that has the ability to do some re-boosts for the space station and that needs to fly in than late August/early September timeframe, so we moved the handover up. The boost trunk, as we call it, will be there for a large part of the fall timeframe.}}</ref> Longest Cargo Dragon mission to date. | {{Success}} |- | [[SpaceX CRS-34|CRS-34]] [[File:SpaceX CRS-34 Patch.png|50px]] | [[Cargo Dragon C209|C209{{nbhyph}}6]] | May&nbsp;15, 2026<ref>{{Cite web |title=Falcon 9 Block 5 {{!}} CRS SpX-34 |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6916 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Invites Media to SpaceX’s 34th Resupply Launch to Space Station - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-invites-media-to-spacexs-34th-resupply-launch-to-space-station/ |access-date=2026-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> | | | {{Operational|In progress}} |- | CRS-35 | TBA | Fall 2026<ref name=":0" /> | | | {{Planned}} |- | United States Deorbit Vehicle | TBA | 2030<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle – NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-international-space-station-us-deorbit-vehicle/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |To deorbit the ISS after it is decommissioned. | {{Planned}} |}

=== Timeline === Crew Dragon has flown 14 missions for NASA under its CCDev and CCP programs and 7 privately funded crewed missions. Cargo Dragon has flown 13 cargo missions for NASA. For brevity, the Demo-1 mission is not shown. <!-- chart times for ISS missions are the docking and undocking times. For non-ISS missions we use launch and landing times. At the scale of this chart there is little or no difference.--> {{#tag:timeline| Define $lastday ={{#if: {{#expr: {{#time:d}}>28}} |{{#time:d}}|28}} <!--this is a hack. "end" day of will be 28 or larger--> Define $endofmonth ={{#time:m}}/$lastday/{{#time:Y}} <!--this is a hack. "end" of the current month so the axis tics work--> Define $now ={{#time:m}}/{{#time:d}}/{{#time:Y}} ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:40 PlotArea = top:10 bottom:44 right:20 left:0 DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2020 till:$endofmonth TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2021 ScaleMinor = unit:month increment:1 start:01/01/2021

Colors = id:bg value:white id:docked value:rgb(0.894,0.882,0.871) <!--light grey--> id:undocked value:limegreen id:NASA_Crew value:skyblue legend: Crew_Dragon_(NASA) <!--pale so the text shows well--> id:Private_Crew value:coral legend: Crew_Dragon_(privately_funded) <!--pale so the text shows well--> id:Cargo value:orange legend: Cargo_Dragon <!--pale so the text shows well-->

Legend = columns:3 left:150 top:25 columnwidth:200

PlotData= fontsize:10 align:center shift:(0,-5)

<!--For CCP, use two bars to show the overlaps. Use only two bars to keep the height from growing for no good reason.--> bar:NASA_CrewA from:05/31/2020 till:08/01/2020 color:NASA_Crew text:Demo-2 from:11/17/2020 till:05/02/2021 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-1 from:11/11/2021 till:05/05/2022 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-3 from:10/05/2022 till:03/11/2023 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-5 from:08/27/2023 till:03/11/2024 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-7 from:09/28/2024 till:03/18/2025 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-9 from:08/02/2025 till:01/15/2026 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-11 bar:NASA_CrewB from:04/24/2021 till:11/08/2021 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-2 from:04/27/2022 till:10/14/2022 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-4 from:03/02/2023 till:09/03/2023 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-6 from:03/05/2024 till:10/25/2024 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-8 from:03/16/2025 till:08/09/2025 color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-10 from:02/13/2026 till:$now color:NASA_Crew text:Crew-12 <!--For Private_Crew, two bars to avoid txt overlap--> bar:Private_CrewA from:09/16/2021 till:09/18/2021 color:Private_Crew text:Inspiration4 from:05/22/2023 till:05/30/2023 color:Private_Crew text:Ax-2 from:09/10/2024 till:09/15/2024 color:Private_Crew text:Polaris<!-- Dawn, add if there's ever another mission --> from:06/25/2025 till:07/14/2025 color:Private_Crew text:Ax-4 bar:Private_CrewB from:04/09/2022 till:04/25/2022 color:Private_Crew text:Ax-1 from:01/18/2024 till:02/09/2024 color:Private_Crew text:Ax-3 from:04/01/2025 till:04/04/2025 color:Private_Crew text:Fram2 <!--For CRS, use two bars to keep txt from overlapping. Use only two bars to keep the height from growing for no good reason.--> bar:CargoA from:12/07/2020 till:01/12/2021 color:Cargo text:CRS-21 from:08/30/2021 till:09/30/2021 color:Cargo text:CRS-23 from:07/16/2022 till:08/19/2022 color:Cargo text:CRS-25 from:03/15/2023 till:04/15/2023 color:Cargo text:CRS-27 from:11/11/2023 till:12/22/2023 color:Cargo text:CRS-29 from:11/05/2024 till:12/16/2024 color:Cargo text:CRS-31 from:08/24/2025 till:02/27/2026 color:Cargo text:CRS-33 bar:CargoB from:06/05/2021 till:07/08/2021 color:Cargo text:CRS-22 from:12/22/2021 till:01/23/2022 color:Cargo text:CRS-24 from:11/26/2022 till:01/11/2023 color:Cargo text:CRS-26 from:06/05/2023 till:06/30/2023 color:Cargo text:CRS-28 from:03/23/2024 till:04/28/2024 color:Cargo text:CRS-30 from:04/21/2025 till:05/25/2025 color:Cargo text:CRS-32 from:05/15/2026 till:$now color:Cargo text:CRS-34

LineData= layer:front at:11/17/2020 width:0.1 color:docked at:05/02/2021 width:0.1 color:undocked at:04/24/2021 width:0.1 color:docked at:11/08/2021 width:0.1 color:undocked at:11/11/2021 width:0.1 color:docked at:05/05/2022 width:0.1 color:undocked at:04/27/2022 width:0.1 color:docked at:10/14/2022 width:0.1 color:undocked at:10/05/2022 width:0.1 color:docked at:03/11/2023 width:0.1 color:undocked at:03/02/2023 width:0.1 color:docked at:09/03/2023 width:0.1 color:undocked at:08/27/2023 width:0.1 color:docked at:10/25/2024 width:0.1 color:undocked at:03/05/2024 width:0.1 color:docked at:03/11/2024 width:0.1 color:undocked at:09/29/2024 width:0.1 color:docked at:03/18/2025 width:0.1 color:undocked at:03/16/2025 width:0.1 color:docked at:08/08/2025 width:0.1 color:undocked at:08/02/2025 width:0.1 color:docked at:01/14/2026 width:0.1 color:undocked at:02/14/2026 width:0.1 color:docked }}

== See also == {{Portal|Spaceflight}} * [[Comparison of crewed space vehicles]] * [[Comparison of space station cargo vehicles]] * [[List of crewed spacecraft]] *[[Crew Dragon Launch Abort System]] * {{Annotated link|Private spaceflight}}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist|refs=

<!-- <ref name="Crew4">{{cite web|last1=Finch|first1=Joshua|title=NASA Assigns Astronauts to Agency's SpaceX Crew-4 Mission to Space Station|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-astronauts-to-agency-s-spacex-crew-4-mission-to-space-station/|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|date=February 12, 2020|access-date=February 12, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308012326/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-astronauts-to-agency-s-spacex-crew-4-mission-to-space-station/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="space20210223">{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-4-astronaut-assignments|title=These 2 NASA astronauts will fly on SpaceX's Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2022 |first=Elizabeth|last=Howell|website=Space.com|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=February 23, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423225254/https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-4-astronaut-assignments|url-status=live}}</ref> --> }}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://uphere.space/satellites/45623 Real-time orbital tracking] – [https://uphere.space/ uphere.space] * [https://isstracker.pl/?satId=45623 Real-time orbital tracking] – [https://isstracker.pl/ isstracker.pl]

{{Dragon spaceflights}} {{SpaceX}} {{Crewed spacecraft}} {{Cargo spacecraft}} {{Manned ISS flights}} {{Uncrewed ISS flights}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragon (spacecraft)}} [[Category:SpaceX Dragon 2| ]] [[Category:SpaceX spacecraft]] [[Category:Crewed spacecraft]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 2019]] [[Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station]] [[Category:Reusable spacecraft]] [[Category:SpaceX related lists]] [[Category:SpaceX Dragon|*]] [[Category:Cargo spacecraft]]