Orion and Dragon capsules have a pad-abort system. In the event of a malfunction, the crew capsule will jettison fast enough to escape any explosions. The acc

Orion and Dragon capsules have a pad-abort system. In the event of a malfunction, the crew capsule will jettison fast enough to escape any explosions. The acceleration will probably knock out the astronauts and cause internal bleeding, but that's still better than immolation. Failed re-entry is still going to be fatal, but the Dragon can theoretically recover from a failed parachute with its Draco engines.