SpaceX Dragon Capsule on View May 19

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY TO DISPLAY
SPACEX DRAGON SPACECRAFT IN
NEWLY RENOVATED HENRY CROWN SPACE CENTER

CHICAGO – The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft acquired by the Museum of Science and Industry in 2022 will go on display at MSI on May 19, 2024, in a new exhibit specifically designed to showcase the spacecraft’s journey and impact. The exhibit will be part of the Museum’s renovated Henry Crown Space Center, which reopens May 19. Both spaces will deliver MSI guests the latest information on space exploration and what new and old space missions have taught us about the universe around us.

“The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft highlights the ability to explore new frontiers in sustainable ways and inspires further discovery,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of MSI. “Adding this cutting-edge artifact to MSI’s renovated Henry Crown Space Center signifies our dedication to educating visitors about the limitless potential of space exploration and how new, innovative technologies have helped humankind explore our universe like never before.”

The SpaceX Dragon, which the public got a sneak peek at in December 2022, is a flight-proven spacecraft that played a pivotal role in two missions, CRS-12 (2017) and CRS-17 (2019), delivering cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). Among its payload were science and crew supplies, spacewalk equipment, vehicle hardware and computer resources. The vehicle also delivered NASA’s Cosmic-Ray Energetics and Mass (ISS-CREAM) to the space station, designed to provide an unprecedented look at cosmic ray particles approaching energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts. The spacecraft’s new exhibition highlights its journey and SpaceX’s pioneering legacy.

Along with the Dragon spacecraft, the newly renovated Henry Crown Space Center will deliver the most up-to-date information about space exploration and what we can learn about our universe from these missions. In addition to the Space Center’s most iconic artifacts, such as the Apollo 8 Command Module and the Mercury Aurora 7 Capsule, the exhibit will feature new artifacts, such as a prototype garment and biofeedback belt worn by Mae Jemison, the first American woman of color in space and a Chicago native.

The Henry Crown Space Center opened in 1986 to showcase the scientific and technological breakthroughs of space exploration in recognition of the generosity of Henry Crown and the philanthropic legacy of the Crown family.

Entry to the Henry Crown Space Center, which includes the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft display, is included with Museum Entry.

For more information about the exhibitions, visit MSI’s website here.

About the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum’s mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs—for students, administrators, teachers and families—that make a difference in local communities and contribute to MSI’s goal to transform and illuminate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District.

For more information, visit msichicago.org

Images

SpaceX Dragon
Credit: Museum of Science and Industry

SpaceX Dragon
Credit: Museum of Science and Industry

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