SpaceX Successfully Tested Draco Thruster

dj writes "The propulsion division of SpaceX has performed another important test. After the test of the Falcon 9's first stage Merlin engines, the smallest engine of the SpaceX family, Draco, has been put to test. During the test, the thruster fired for ten minutes, paused for ten minutes, and then was restarted for an additional minute. The test was performed on a new vacuum test stand built by SpaceX, and put into operation in March 2008 at the SpaceX Test Facility outside McGregor, Texas."

Comments

Why?

[moosesocks]

I understand that these engines will be used for SpaceX's 'Dragon' vechicle, which is intended to serve as a small crew capsule, an escape pod from the ISS, as well as an up-down cargo vehicle.

Although I understand the need for a small on-orbit engine such as Draco, I don't quite understand the point of the 'Dragon' craft, given that we already have Soyuz, which has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be a safe, reliable vehicle. The ESA are also working on a more modern capsule design that seems to mimic the capabilities of the 'Dragon' to a T.

So, then..... why are they working on this? As I understand it, their launch system is already lucrative enough as it is. Why go reinventing the wheel?

That all said, I'm sure they've got something up their sleeve.... SpaceX seem to be doing NASA's job better than NASA these days.