The first manned mission to launch from American soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011, Demo-2 will be the final test flight by SpaceX before certification for making regular flights to the International Space Station (ISS) to ferry crews back and forth. In addition to the systems of the Crew Dragon being tested in orbit, the launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, and operational capabilities will be put through their paces back on Earth.

After the Crew Dragon reaches orbit, the spacecraft systems, including the environmental control system, displays, control system, and maneuvering thrusters will be given a thorough testing. Around 24 hours after launch, the craft will rendezvous and dock with the ISS.