# DragonFly

> prototype Crew Dragon space capsule manufactured by SpaceX

**Wikidata**: [Q16974541](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16974541)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_2_DragonFly)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dragonfly

## Summary
DragonFly is a prototype Crew Dragon space capsule manufactured by SpaceX. It is an instance of the Dragon 2 spacecraft class and is also known by the alias Crew Dragon C201. This vehicle was built for testing and development purposes, notably participating in a pad abort test in 2015.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** Prototype space capsule.
*   **Classification:** Instance of Dragon 2 spacecraft.
*   **Manufacturer:** SpaceX.
*   **Operator:** SpaceX.
*   **Aliases:** Dragon 2 DragonFly, Crew Dragon DragonFly, Crew Dragon C201, Dragon C201, C201, SpaceX Dragon C201.
*   **Serial Number:** C200.
*   **Country of Origin:** United States.
*   **Significant Event - Pad Abort Test:** Completed on May 6, 2015, as part of the "Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test" campaign.
*   **Service Status:** Retired circa November 2015.
*   **Differentiation:** Distinct from Titan Dragonfly (a NASA mission).
*   **Wikipedia Title:** Dragon 2 DragonFly.
*   **Wikimedia Commons Category:** Crew Dragon DragonFly.
*   **Wikidata Description:** Prototype Crew Dragon space capsule manufactured by SpaceX.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DragonFly?
A: DragonFly is a prototype of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. It was manufactured by SpaceX to test technologies for the Dragon 2 program.

### Q: What missions or tests was the DragonFly capsule involved in?
A: The DragonFly capsule performed a significant pad abort test on May 6, 2015. This test was part of the Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test campaign.

### Q: What are the other names for the DragonFly capsule?
A: The capsule is also referred to as Crew Dragon C201, Dragon C201, C201, and SpaceX Dragon C201. It carries the serial number C200.

### Q: Is DragonFly related to the Titan Dragonfly?
A: No, DragonFly (the SpaceX Crew Dragon prototype) is explicitly different from Titan Dragonfly (a separate NASA mission).

## Why It Matters
The DragonFly prototype played a crucial role in validating the safety mechanisms of the Dragon 2 spacecraft. As a test article for the pad abort test, it demonstrated the capsule's ability to escape a failing rocket, which is a critical requirement for human spaceflight. This successful test contributed to the certification of the Crew Dragon for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station, marking a pivotal step in the return of human spaceflight capabilities to the United States.

## Notable For
*   **Pad Abort Test:** Successfully executed a pad abort test on May 6, 2015, proving the crew escape system's functionality.
*   **Prototype for Crew Dragon:** Served as the early prototype (serial number C200/C201) for the operational Crew Dragon fleet.
*   **Development of Dragon 2:** Represented a tangible step in the evolution of the Dragon 2 spacecraft family, distinct from the cargo variant.

## Body

### Overview
DragonFly is a prototype Crew Dragon space capsule manufactured and operated by SpaceX. It belongs to the Dragon 2 class of reusable spacecraft and was developed in the United States. The capsule is designated with the serial number C200. It serves as a test vehicle within the broader Dragon 2 development program.

### Identity and Aliases
The entity is known by several identifiers, including:
*   **Primary Name:** DragonFly
*   **Aliases:** Dragon 2 DragonFly, Crew Dragon DragonFly, Crew Dragon C201, Dragon C201, C201, SpaceX Dragon C201.

It is important to distinguish this aerospace vehicle from Titan Dragonfly, as they are separate entities.

### Operational History
The DragonFly prototype's operational life was focused on critical safety testing. Its most significant recorded event was the **pad abort test** conducted on **May 6, 2015**. This test was part of the larger **Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test** initiative. The data gathered from this event was essential for verifying the performance of the Dragon 2's launch escape system. Following its testing phase, the DragonFly capsule was retired from service **circa November 2015**.

### Context within Dragon 2 Program
DragonFly is an instance of the **Dragon 2** spacecraft family. The Dragon 2 is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport both crew and cargo. Key characteristics of the Dragon 2 class include:
*   **Manufacturer/Operator:** SpaceX.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5.
*   **First Uncrewed Flight:** March 2, 2019.
*   **First Human Spaceflight:** May 30, 2020 (Crew Dragon Demo-2).
*   **Dimensions:** 8.1 meters height (including service module), 4 meters diameter.
*   **Crew Capacity:** Up to 4 astronauts.
*   **Propulsion:** Utilizes 8 SuperDraco engines for launch escape and 16 Draco engines for reaction control.

DragonFly served as a precursor to operational capsules like Endeavour, Resilience, Endurance, and Freedom.

## References

1. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/05/06/spacex-crew-capsule-completes-dramatic-abort-test/)