SPACEX DRAGON SPACECRAFT RETURNS TO FLORIDA
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL—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’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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 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).
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said.
“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. With the space shuttle now retiring, Dragon will serve a critical role in next-generation US space exploration programs.”
Emily Perry, Air Force Space and Missile History Center Director said.
“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.“
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.
The Air Force Space and Missile History Center is a 3,200-square-foot facility outside the gates of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The facility is open to the public and admission is free. In addition to numerous exhibits, the History Center features 10 large displays, including a Mercury capsule, Atlas and Titan rocket engines and a launch console from the Gemini Program. The History Center also features a gift shop that offers many unique aerospace-related items. To learn more click the above link or call 321-853-1919 or visit.
SpaceX is the leading American space transport company, advancing the boundaries of space technology through its Falcon launch vehicles and Dragon spacecraft. Following the retirement of NASA’s space shuttle program, the Falcon 9/Dragon system will take over delivery of cargo, and eventually astronauts, to the International Space Station.
In April 2011, SpaceX announced its plans to design, build and launch the Falcon Heavy—the world’s largest launch vehicle since the Saturn V moon rocket. The Falcon Heavy will have the ability to carry payloads weighing over 53 metric tons to orbit, which will offer more than twice the performance of other commercial providers. Combined, the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Dragon spacecraft will ensure the US maintains leadership in the dynamic global marketplace of space exploration.
COMMENTARY: I have been profiling and providing regular updates about SpaceX in my blog for over a year now. This is one incredible company that is the future of America's space program. If you would like to learn more here are the links: August 27, 2010, October 4, 2010, January 17, 2011 and April 20, 2011.
Courtesy of an article dated July 1, 2011 appearing in SpaceX website
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