— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 13, 2019 The In-Flight Abort Test will be a final, key milestone in Crew Dragon’s development. The craft will launch atop one of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets and then run through the entire abort sequence by breaking away from the rocket, firing its on-board engines and parachuting to a landing. Crew Dragon is equipped with two sets of engines: A group of 16 “Draco” thrusters handle all the precise maneuvering while the craft is in orbit. And, during an emergency abort, they would also help keep the spacecraft oriented while it plunges toward Earth. The other eight “SuperDraco” engines are designed specifically to propel the vehicle away from a malfunctioning rocket. Crew Dragon could be ready for the big show shortly after SpaceX completes the in-flight abort test. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are slated to fly to the International Space Station aboard the capsule marking the first time SpaceX has ever flown humans. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, and SpaceX CEO and lead designer Elon Musk address members of the media during a post launch news conference in Kennedy Space Center's Press Site auditorium following the March 2, 2:49 a.m. EST launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The Crew Dragon's trip to the space station is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the space station. Kim Shiflett/NASA