A Look at the Dragon
The SpaceX Crew Dragon is nearly 27 feet tall. A powerful rocket lifts it into space. Dragon made its first crewed flight in 2020. It will carry Inspiration4 astronauts to space this month. Read on to learn about the parts of the craft.
1. Nose Cone
This opens to a windowed cupola, where astronauts can see into space.
2. Capsule
This is the pressurized section of the craft. It carries the crew.
3. Windows
4. Side hatch
5. Engines
6. 16 thrusters
These help position the craft.
7. Modernized instrument panels
Three large touch screens face the four astronauts. Each screen is capable of calling up 10 sets of displays.
8. Launch abort system
This separates the capsule from the rocket in case of emergency.
9. Heat shield
10. Unpressurized trunk section
Half of this is covered in solar panels to provide power. The trunk detaches shortly before reentry. It is also used to hold cargo and has a capacity of 1,300 cubic feet.
11. Four fins
These fins are the base of the trunk. They help stabilize the Dragon in the event that the mission must be cut short.
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