# Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit > boilerplate of a Dragon spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX **Wikidata**: [Q3038762](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3038762) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Spacecraft_Qualification_Unit) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dragon-spacecraft-qualification-unit ## Summary The Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (C100) is a nonfunctional boilerplate version of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, used for qualification testing. It was launched on June 4, 2010, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and later re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 27, 2010, marking a key milestone in SpaceX's development of the reusable cargo spacecraft. ## Key Facts - **Instance of**: Dragon spacecraft and boilerplate (nonfunctional craft) - **Operator/Manufacturer**: SpaceX - **Launch Date**: June 4, 2010 - **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 - **Serial Number**: C100 - **Country of Origin**: United States - **Significant Events**: Rocket launch (Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40) and atmospheric re-entry (June 27, 2010) - **Aliases**: Dragon C100, SpaceX Dragon C100, C100, ドラゴン宇宙船評価機, ドラゴン宇宙船認定ユニット - **Wikidata ID**: Q36595 ## FAQs ### Q: What was the purpose of the Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit? A: The Dragon C100 was a nonfunctional test unit used to validate the Dragon spacecraft's design and performance before operational flights. ### Q: Which rocket launched the Dragon C100? A: The Dragon C100 was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on June 4, 2010, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. ### Q: When did the Dragon C100 re-enter Earth's atmosphere? A: The Dragon C100 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 27, 2010, completing its qualification mission. ### Q: Is the Dragon C100 still in use today? A: No, the Dragon C100 was a test unit and was not used for operational missions. ### Q: What is the difference between the Dragon C100 and operational Dragon spacecraft? A: The Dragon C100 was a boilerplate (nonfunctional) version used for testing, while operational Dragon spacecraft are fully functional for cargo resupply missions. ## Why It Matters The Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (C100) was a critical step in SpaceX's development of the Dragon spacecraft. Launched in 2010, it demonstrated the vehicle's ability to withstand the stresses of launch and re-entry, paving the way for subsequent operational missions. The successful atmospheric re-entry of the C100 validated SpaceX's design and technology, proving the spacecraft's reusability and reliability. This milestone was essential for SpaceX's broader goals of commercial spaceflight and NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program. The Dragon C100's achievements laid the foundation for future Dragon missions, including the first operational cargo resupply mission (Dragon C2) in 2012. ## Notable For - **First SpaceX Dragon Test Flight**: The Dragon C100 was the first Dragon spacecraft launched by SpaceX, serving as a qualification unit. - **Successful Re-Entry**: The spacecraft's controlled atmospheric re-entry on June 27, 2010, validated its heat shield and reusability. - **Pioneering SpaceX's Cargo Program**: The C100's success enabled SpaceX to proceed with operational Dragon missions for NASA. - **Nonfunctional Boilerplate**: Unlike operational Dragon spacecraft, the C100 was designed solely for testing, not cargo transport. - **Key Milestone in Commercial Spaceflight**: The Dragon C100 demonstrated SpaceX's capability to develop and test spacecraft for orbital missions. ## Body ### Overview The Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (C100) was a nonfunctional test version of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, launched on June 4, 2010, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It served as a critical qualification unit to validate the Dragon's design and performance before operational flights. ### Launch and Mission - **Launch Date**: June 4, 2010 - **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 - **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 - **Significant Event**: The Dragon C100 successfully re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 27, 2010, demonstrating its heat shield and reusability. ### Design and Purpose - **Instance of**: Dragon spacecraft and boilerplate (nonfunctional craft) - **Aliases**: Dragon C100, SpaceX Dragon C100, C100, ドラゴン宇宙船評価機, ドラゴン宇宙船認定ユニット - **Function**: Used for qualification testing, not operational cargo transport ### Historical Context - **Inception of Dragon Program**: The Dragon spacecraft was first developed in 2004, with the C100 serving as an early test unit. - **SpaceX's Role**: SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, operated and manufactured the Dragon C100. - **Significance**: The C100's successful mission paved the way for subsequent operational Dragon flights, including the first cargo resupply mission (Dragon C2) in 2012. ### Technical Specifications - **Serial Number**: C100 - **Country of Origin**: United States - **Wikidata ID**: Q36595 ### Related Entities - **Dragon (Spacecraft)**: The operational version of the Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX. - **Falcon 9**: The partially reusable launch vehicle used to deploy the Dragon C100. ### Wikipedia and External References - **Wikipedia Title**: Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit - **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in Commons, Czech, English, Finnish, French, Latvian, Portuguese, and Swedish. - **External References**: Includes NASA's NSSDCA and COSPAR ID references for tracking and documentation. ## References 1. Jonathan's Space Report 2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2010-026A) 3. [Source](https://www.space.com/8681-private-falcon-9-rocket-meets-fiery-3-weeks-space.html)