SpaceX Dragon Capsule at History Center

10 July 2011

The SpaceX Dragon Capsule successfully launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December 2010, achieved orbit and was recovered, making it the first commercial spacecraft ever to do so. With an additional NASA demonstration flight slated for fall 2011 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), SpaceX will become the first U.S. commercial launch services company to successfully demonstrate and execute U.S. based cargo transport capability to the International Space Station. Dragon is also the first commercially-manufactured, human-rated transport vehicle, and may serve as a critical U.S. asset in the country's next-generation space exploration initiatives.

The actual SpaceX Dragon launched from Launch Complex 40 on that historic flight was displayed at the Air Force Space and Missile History Center from 2 July 2011 to 10 July 2011. The History Center was open extended hours and hosted a record number of visitors.

Arriving in front of the SpaceX Launch Control Center	Dragon capsule flies in over the History Center
Unwrapping the Dragon after its long road trip	Ready for addition of the protective tent
Dragon under protective cover	Interpretive signs and description