Step inside Elon Musk’s incredible new space machine

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has had plenty of memorable milestones, not the least of which came in 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft become the first commercial vehicle to dock with the International Space Station. Of course, that was just the beginning for SpaceX — Musk is nothing if not ambitious — and the company’s next goal is to tackle manned space flight.

Last night at its Hawthorne, California headquarters, SpaceX unveiled its newest capsule, the Dragon V2. Designed as a reusable craft for up to seven astronauts, the V2 differs from its predecessor not just in terms of what it carries but how it gets back home; according to Musk, the new craft disposes with the concept of ocean splashdowns altogether, and “can land anywhere on Earth with the accuracy of a helicopter.” With a touchscreen control system, 3D printed engines, and a slick, minimalist interior, the V2 feels so close to science fiction it’s hard to believe it exists — but we were there last night and took a step inside.

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CrazyNeutrino said:

the V2 feels so close to science fiction it’s hard to believe it exists — but we were there last night and took a step inside.

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Note that it doesn’t exist. What the reporter stepped inside was a mock-up. I hope he knew this.

i think calling it V2 is asking for trouble.

dv said:

CrazyNeutrino said:

the V2 feels so close to science fiction it’s hard to believe it exists — but we were there last night and took a step inside.

more…

Note that it doesn’t exist. What the reporter stepped inside was a mock-up. I hope he knew this.

If he was a reporter who’s done a cadetship with a good newspaper he probably knew, if he was a journalist who’s done a university degree in journalism he probably didn’t have a fucking clue.

I hope the first landing is not in London.

Boris said:

i think calling it V2 is asking for trouble.

LOL

Peak Warming Man said:

dv said:

CrazyNeutrino said:

the V2 feels so close to science fiction it’s hard to believe it exists — but we were there last night and took a step inside.

more…

Note that it doesn’t exist. What the reporter stepped inside was a mock-up. I hope he knew this.

If he was a reporter who’s done a cadetship with a good newspaper he probably knew, if he was a journalist who’s done a university degree in journalism he probably didn’t have a fucking clue.

If he was with ABC ONLINE SCIENCE NEWS he probably thought he was in outer space.

That reminds me. I want to work out the ideal nosecone shape for high-speed flight, by copying what has already been used on aircraft and craft such as this.