SpaceX has released a footage featuring the sleek interiors of the new Crew Dragon. As the space capsule is designed for missions apart from those that are unmanned such as bringing cargo materials to the International Space Station (ISS), the commercial spacecraft company also hopes to bring astronauts to outer space in style. The newly released clip may attest to that possible near reality.
As seen in the video, the walls of the capsule is painted white and its bucket seats come in sleek black color. This is far from the previously shown tan leather seats and mirrored metal materials in May 2014. If that does not sound relaxing, the limited button control that this self-driving spacecraft possesses may do the convincing. These features may give the impression that the company wanted the astronauts to have a stress-free ride around the outer space.
Aside from its sophisticated design, the Dragon also comes with display panels that can show real-time data including status of capabilities, the spacecraft's position details, internal environment and probable destinations necessary for the success and safety of the flight.
The Dragon is also supported by a system that enhances environment control and life support so that the passengers may have a safe and comfortable experience. The astronauts will be given the power to set the temperature within the spacecraft to 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what may be comfortable for them.
SpaceX also worked on Dragon's safety features through an advanced emergency escape system that has the ability to bring the passengers to safety should something go wrong while inflight. This system is similar to those being used in Disneyland rides. The Hawthorne-based company has already tested this system in 2014 and is looking at taking another abort test come 2017, following an unmanned test mission to the space station.
Aside from the on-board crew, Earth-based SpaceX officials will be able to monitor and control the status of the autonomous spacecraft missions from its control center in California.
In 2012, Dragon successfully transported cargo to the ISS, which made it the first ever commercial spacecraft to do so. The capsule is among the two spacecrafts contracted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to bring its space explorers to the ISS by the year 2017.
Here is the footage:
