VIDEO - SpaceX test fires new engine

SpaceX has test fired SuperDraco, an advanced version of the Draco engine currently used by SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to maneuver on orbit and during reentry. “SuperDraco engines represent the best of cutting edge technology,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Technology Officer. “These engines will power a revolutionary launch escape system that will make Dragon the safest spacecraft in history and enable it to land propulsively on Earth or another planet with pinpoint accuracy.” As part of SpaceX’s state-of-the-art launch escape system, eight SuperDraco engines built into the side walls of the Dragon spacecraft will produce up to 120,000 pounds of axial thrust to carry astronauts to safety should an emergency occur during launch. SpaceX’s launch escape system is safer than current methods because it is not jettisoned like all other escape systems. This distinction provides astronauts with the ability to escape from danger at any point during the launch, not just in the first few minutes. The eight SuperDracos provide redundancy, so that even if one engine fails an escape can still be carried out successfully.