The Dragon ship was propelled to a safe distance, lowering itself softly into the Atlantic via three parachutes.
SpaceX expects to start launching astronauts in 2017. It is one of two companies that have been contracted by the US space agency (NASA) to develop vehicles to ferry people to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The other firm is Boeing. Both have to demonstrate effective launch escape technologies for their rockets and capsules to receive certification. Only with the necessary assurance will Nasa permit its astronauts to climb aboard.
Pad abort systems used in prior capsules were always dead weight, bolted on top, and jettisoned a few minutes after launch. By using the Dragon's own internal engines, SpaceX hopes to save weight on a system that everyone hopes is never used.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Freeman on Thursday May 07 2015, @04:45PM
"By using the Dragon's own internal engines, SpaceX hopes to save weight on a system that everyone hopes is never used."
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"