On Public Display Through July 10 At Air Force Space And
Missile History Center
On December 8, 2010, SpaceX became the first commercial company
in history to launch, fly, land and recover a spacecraft from low
Earth orbit. Now through July 10, 2011, that spacecraft, the SpaceX
Dragon, will make its first public appearance in Florida since its
historic inaugural flight. SpaceX, in coordination with the Air
Force Space and Missile History Center, will host a public viewing
of the Dragon capsule through July 10 on the grounds of the History
Center, located just outside the South Gate of Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station (CCAFS).
Dragon Spacecraft Post-Flight
Dragon’s inaugural launch served as an important step
toward ensuring the future of US-based space programs following
shuttle retirement. Having the spacecraft back in Florida will
serve as a reminder that the US has a strong future in space
exploration, and that American vehicles will continue to launch
from Florida after the last flight of Atlantis in July.
The Air Force Space and Missile History Center will offer
extended hours to the public during this time, remaining open
from 0900 to 1700 EDT, Monday through Sunday through the final
date of the exhibit. The facility offers free public access and
houses historic hardware and visual displays that highlight all
active and deactivated CCAFS launch complexes from the past 50+
years of flight. Additionally, the Center features 10 large
displays, including a Mercury capsule, Atlas and Titan rocket
engines, and a launch console from Launch Complex 19 (Gemini
Program).
“This spacecraft made history last December, and it
started its space journey here in Florida. We are excited to
bring Dragon back to the state. We are also pleased to work with
the Air Force Space and Missile History Center to display Dragon
for the public to see,” said SpaceX President Gwynne
Shotwell. “With the space shuttle now retiring, Dragon will
serve a critical role in next-generation US space exploration
programs.”
“Putting the Dragon capsule on display at the History
Center will complement the current exhibits, which highlight past,
present and future launch activities at Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station,“ said Emily Perry, Air Force Space and Missile
History Center Director.
With an additional NASA demonstration flight slated for later
this year from CCAFS, SpaceX will become the first U.S. commercial
launch services company to successfully demonstrate and execute
US-based cargo transport capability to the International Space
Station through Dragon. Dragon is the first commercially
manufactured space transport vehicle and will play a key role in
the country’s next generation of manned space exploration
initiatives.