The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago proudly presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring a SpaceX Dragon capsule that has played a significant role in the annals of space exploration. This remarkable capsule, bearing the designation CRS-12, embarked on two successful missions to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2017 and 2019. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the ISS and return safely to Earth.
Beyond its cargo-carrying capabilities, the CRS-12 Dragon also served as a platform for groundbreaking scientific experiments, including the Cosmic-Ray Energetics and Mass (ISS-CREAM) study. This experiment aimed to unravel the composition of cosmic rays, shedding light on the enigmatic origins of these particles.
The display of the CRS-12 Dragon is not merely a historical artifact; it serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of innovation in space exploration. This capsule played a pivotal role in paving the way for the return of astronaut launches from U.S. soil in 2020, following the conclusion of the space shuttle program.
Accompanying the CRS-12 Dragon in the newly renovated Henry Crown Space Center are two other iconic spacecraft: the Mercury Aurora 7, which carried NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter into orbit in 1962, and the Apollo 8, which ventured close to the moon in 1968, a year before the historic Apollo 11 landing mission. These spacecraft, each representing a distinct era in space exploration, offer visitors a comprehensive glimpse into humanity’s relentless pursuit of the cosmos.
The CRS-12 Dragon, with its rich history and profound impact on space exploration, stands as a beacon of ingenuity and human endeavor. Its presence at the Henry Crown Space Center invites visitors to marvel at the extraordinary feats we have accomplished in space and to contemplate the boundless frontiers that lie ahead.
