Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU)
Falcon 9 v1.0
SpaceX
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU)
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $59,000,000
The Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit was a boilerplate version of the Dragon spacecraft. After using it for ground tests to rate Dragon's shape and mass in various tests, SpaceX launched it into low Earth orbit on the maiden flight of the Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX used the launch to evaluate the aerodynamic conditions on the spacecraft and performance of the carrier rocket in a real-world launch scenario, ahead of Dragon flights for NASA under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program.
Location
Space Launch Complex 40
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida
Space Launch Complex 40 has witnessed the launch of 363 rockets, including 363 orbital launch attempts. While Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, has been the site for 1086 rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Rocket
SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.0
The Falcon 9 v1.0 first stage was used on the first five Falcon 9 launches, and powered by nine SpaceX Merlin 1C rocket engines arranged in a 3x3 pattern.
Landing
Core B0003
No parachutes were observed during descent. Apparently the Falcon 9 first stage hit the water rather hard.Observation airfcraft confirmed the debris field. Booster B0003 last launched 06/04/2010 and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. Stage Expended
Atlantic Ocean - ATL
Atlantic Ocean
Parachute Landing - PCL
Unpowered landing using parachute(s).
Agency
SpaceX
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch scheduled?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch video?
You can watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) mission launch from?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) mission?
The Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) mission launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 v1.0 first stage was used on the first five Falcon 9 launches, and powered by nine SpaceX Merlin 1C rocket engines arranged in a 3x3 pattern. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster for Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) attempt a landing?
Yes, the Falcon 9 first stage booster attempted a Parachute Landing at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows SpaceX to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed the SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit (DSQU) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official SpaceX live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
