January 19, 2020 3:30 pm

Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test

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Falcon 9

Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
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January 19, 2020 3:30 pm

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Last Updated:

2026-07-11 18:56:00

When the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket reaches Max-Q (maximum dynamic forces), the launch abort system of the Crew Dragon spacecraft will be triggered. This will fire up its SuperDraco engines and propel the spacecraft and its theoretical passengers away from the launch vehicle before landing back safely in the Atlantic Ocean. The goal of this test is to demonstrate the capacity of the spacecraft to ensure a safe return to the ground for the astronauts in the event of a launch vehicle failure. The booster for this launch will be B1046, a thrice-flown core which was the first of the Block 5 generation. It will not attempt to land and is expected to be destroyed by the SuperDracos and aerodynamic loads.
Launch Overview
Window Open 13:00 UTC
Window Close 19:00 UTC
Lift Off Jan 19, 2020 · 15:30 UTC
Launch Facility Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launch Pad Launch Complex 39A
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer SpaceX
Payload Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test
Rocket Falcon 9
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
When the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket reaches Max-Q (maximum dynamic forces), the launch abort system of the Crew Dragon spacecraft will be triggered. This will fire up its SuperDraco engines and propel the spacecraft and its theoretical passengers away from the launch vehicle before landing back safely in the Atlantic Ocean. The goal of this test is to demonstrate the capacity of the spacecraft to ensure a safe return to the ground for the astronauts in the event of a launch vehicle failure. The booster for this launch will be B1046, a thrice-flown core which was the first of the Block 5 generation. It will not attempt to land and is expected to be destroyed by the SuperDracos and aerodynamic loads.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

SpaceX
Launch Complex 39A
Launch Overview
Window Open 13:00 UTC
Window Close 19:00 UTC
Lift Off Jan 19, 2020 · 15:30 UTC
Launch Facility Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launch Pad Launch Complex 39A
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer SpaceX
Payload Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test
Rocket Falcon 9
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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