SpaceX performed the Crew Dragon Launch Escape Demonstration – without any astronauts onboard – on 19 January 2020 launching on a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:30 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. This test demonstrated Crew Dragon’s ability to carry crew to safety in the event of an emergency on ascent. This test of Crew Dragon’s launch escape capabilities is designed to provide data toward NASA certifying the spacecraft to begin carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

Unfortunately, after years of waiting for this test with great excitement, the day was fairly cloudy and, while the launch was easily seen, the rocket flew into thick clouds moments before the test was to take place, obscuring the unfolding events from my viewing location. Very disappointing. . .

Click to view the luckless abort test photos.