In Photos: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at SpaceX's Crew Dragon Spaceship

Model of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Capsule

A model of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, as seen during a media day at the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, on Aug. 13, 2018. In the background is the first SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket first stage ever to successfully land during an orbital mission.

First Landed Falcon 9 First Stage

A closer look at the Falcon 9 first stage, which launched from (and landed at) Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December 2015.

Falcon 9 First Stage Landing Legs, Engines

A look at the booster's engine nozzles and huge landing legs.

Looking Out

A look out at the Crew Dragon model from a room at SpaceX headquarters. The real (non-mockup) Crew Dragon is scheduled to debut with an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station in November 2018 and fly two crewmembers on a trial mission to the ISS in April 2019.

Inside the Model

Inside the mockup Crew Dragon.

Draco Thruster

As part of the media day, SpaceX displayed a variety of Dragon tech, including this Draco thruster used on a robotic Dragon cargo mission to the ISS.

SuperDraco Engine Chamber

A SuperDraco engine chamber, which SpaceX makes using 3D printers. SuperDraco engines power Crew Dragon's escape system, which is designed to get astronauts out of harm’s way during an emergency during launch or any other phase of the trip to orbit.

SpaceX Spacesuit

The spacesuit that Crew Dragon astronauts will wear.

Another Look

A view of the suit from the side.

Crew Dragon Seat Prototype

An early version of the Crew Dragon seat. The vehicle can accommodate seven passengers but will take a maximum of four NASA astronauts during contracted missions to and from the ISS.

Crew Dragon Simulator

The Crew Dragon simulator that astronauts train on, to get used to the real thing.

Going In

Inside the Crew Dragon simulator, which is outfitted with four seats.

Room with a View

Crew Dragon features four windows.

In Its Place

The Crew Dragon simulator, seen from a bit of a distance.

Cockpit Simulator

Crew Dragon astronauts practice using the capsule’s touch-screen control system using this cockpit simulator.

Cockpit Simulator: Another Look

Crew Dragon astronauts won’t do much active flying, if all goes according to plan; the capsule is designed to be fully autonomous, and the first backup is mission control on Earth.

Hatch Trainer

The hatch mockup that Crew Dragon astronauts use to practice opening and closing the connection between their craft and the ISS.

Crew Dragon Designs

Designs for various Crew Dragon components.

Sleek Suit, Sleek Seat

A conception of a Crew Dragon astronaut in his/her seat.

From Vision to Reality

The Crew Dragon capsule that will make the vehicle’s first crewed flight — currently scheduled for April 2019 — under construction in a clean room at SpaceX headquarters.

Dragon and Dragon Riders

SpaceX personnel and NASA astronauts stand in front of the in-work Crew Dragon on Aug. 13, 2018. From left to right: SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell; astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, who will fly the first crewed test mission of the capsule; astronauts Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover, who will fly the first operational Crew Dragon mission; former NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman, SpaceX’s senior advisor for human spaceflight; and SpaceX director of crew mission management Benji Reed.

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