The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has recently revealed a new exhibit at the Henry Crown Space Center, featuring a SpaceX Dragon capsule that has made history by being the first commercial spacecraft to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and return safely to Earth. The reusable Cargo Dragon capsule, CRS-12, took part in two ISS cargo missions in 2017 and 2019, carrying not only cargo such as food supplies but also experiments designed to determine the composition of cosmic rays.
The Dragon spacecraft on display is a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, not only because of its pioneering achievement but also because it has paved the way for the return of astronaut launches from U.S. soil. The reusable and similarly designed Crew Dragon capsule has made 13 crewed flights to low-Earth orbit, most of them to the space station. The CRS-12 Cargo Dragon’s journey to the ISS marked a major achievement in the development of commercial space technology, demonstrating the capability of private enterprise to contribute to space exploration.
Revealing the Pioneering Spirit of Space Exploration at the Griffin Museum
The exhibit is a celebration of the innovative technology that has enabled humans to reach new heights and push the frontiers of space exploration. Visitors can get up close and personal with the Dragon spacecraft, exploring the newly renovated Henry Crown Space Center to discover how much has been accomplished in space and how many more frontiers remain to be discovered. The exhibit also features other historic spacecraft, including the Mercury Aurora 7, which launched NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter into orbit in 1962, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft, which flew the first astronauts close to the moon in 1968.
The CRS-12 Dragon spacecraft may have completed its missions, but its legacy continues to inspire and inform new generations of space explorers. As the museum noted, this exhibit is a celebration of the trailblazing technology and the innovative spirit that has driven humans to explore the unknown. Visitors to the exhibit can experience the awe and wonder of space exploration firsthand, learning about the achievements and challenges of the past while contemplating the vast frontiers that remain to be discovered.
The exhibit is a testament to the power of space exploration to inspire and educate, as well as its potential to drive innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible. As the museum noted, the Dragon spacecraft is a reminder of the incredible feats that can be accomplished through innovative technology and determination. The exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in space exploration, offering a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of discovery and to contemplate the next great frontiers of human achievement.
