SpaceX has given us our first glimpse inside the Crew Dragon, its astronaut-carrying capsule that is eerily reminiscent of the science fiction classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule is one the final pieces in the private space company’s puzzle as it looks to move from just carrying cargo to the International Space station (ISS) to carrying astronauts too.
Revealing the rather cool-looking pictures on its website, SpaceX said that it is “finalising the necessary refinements” that will see it reignite the US’s ability to send astronauts into space without the help of the Russian Soyuz craft.
Unlike traditional capsules that have brought astronauts into space, SpaceX said that the Crew Dragon will actually be an enjoyable ride with sightseeing in mind.
The capsule will have four windows, allowing astronauts to get a glimpse of some of the incredible sights the solar system has to offer.
Meanwhile, the seats would also appear to be pretty comfortable as they are made from the highest-grade carbon fibre and Alcantara cloth.
As for controls, the Crew Dragon’s version of Hal is the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that will keep them nice and comfortable as they hurtle through space.
The Crew Dragon is also a fully autonomous spacecraft that can be monitored and controlled either by astronauts on board the craft or SpaceX mission control.
The Crew Dragon capsule has an escape system that ejects them at the same G-force as a rollercoaster.
Real-time information is fed directly to these three monitors in front of the astronauts.
The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).
An artsy shot of the capsule’s sci-fi like controls.
