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Old July 19th 19, 02:19 PM posted to sci.space.policy
Niklas Holsti
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Default SpaceX Capsule Explosion

On 19-07-19 14:06 , Jeff Findley wrote:
In article , says...

On 7/17/2019 7:40 PM, Jeff Findley wrote:

Doesn't matter because NASA wants only new Dragon 2 capsules for crew.
After their crew flight, they will be refurbished for commercial cargo.
Part of that refurbishment is to remove the abort system to allow for
more cargo up-mass and down-mass.

Jeff


Jeff that's a great point and I remember reading about that. Seems
stupid on NASA's part, they lose the cost savings of reusable hardware.
But hey this is the organization behind the SLS so what should I expect?

Do you have a cite for the latter part (removal of abort system for more
cargo)? I'd like to read up on that. First I've heard of it.


I couldn't find a definitive reference. But the abort system is simply
not needed for a cargo flight. It could be that the parts will still be
on the Dragon 2, but the abort system's propellant tanks and high
pressure helium tanks simply won't be filled. That would also save a
lot of mass while minimizing the modifications needed to turn a crew
Dragon 2 into a cargo Dragon 2.


They might even use propulsive landing for cargo flights.

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