NASA astronaut photographs SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn capsule reentry from ISS (photo)

[Admin]

The private Polaris Dawn was within view of the ISS when the four-person private mission concluded its work on Sept. 15. Experienced NASA astronaut Don Pettit wielded the camera.

NASA astronaut photographs SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn capsule reentry from ISS (photo) : Read more

 

[KateP2016]

Why can't the Dragon use the Super Draco rockets on the sides of the capsule to effect a ground landing assisting the parachutes?

 

[GoodOlDan]

Why can't the Dragon use the Super Draco rockets on the sides of the capsule to effect a ground landing assisting the parachutes?

A "propulsive" landing was considered in the beginning for the Dragon capsule, but as development of the capsule evolved it became clearer that a parachute landing system was safer and more versatile. The "Super Draco" rockets are still in place, but are used primarily as a launch escape system should something bad/unexpected happen with the Falcon launch system.

 

[KateP2016]

Thanks. I knew they had decided not to use the Dracos for a propulsive landing, but couldn't they use them in the same way the Russians have the "retro-rocket" on the Soyuz that goes off right before the landing, in addition to the parachutes?