X

SpaceX Dragon V2 spacecraft unveiled by Elon Musk (pictures)

Elon Musk has just unveiled the second-generation Dragon space capsule, the V2. It seats seven comfortably and could be flying soon.

Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens got his start writing professionally while still in school in the mid '90s, and since then has covered topics ranging from business process management to video game development to automotive technology.
Tim Stevens
dragon-1-of-12.jpg
1 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

The Dragon V1, SpaceX's first spacecraft.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
2 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

Elon Musk took the stage to unveil the V2.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
3 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

Here it is, the Dragon v2 spacecraft.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
4 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

The V2 uses many of the same engines that the first Dragon used, plus a series of SuperDraco engines that enable it to land like a helicopter -- a rocket-powered helicopter.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
5 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

The door, with a chrome handle, no less.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
6 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

SpaceX has been a bit of a passion for Mr. Musk, who spoke excitedly about the potential for commercial space flight.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
7 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

The Dragon 2 seats seven lucky space travelers.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
8 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

A ladder was rolled out, and Mr. Musk took a seat inside.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
9 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

A series of LCDs inside show the pilot and crew all the needed information about the capsule.

dragon-1-of-12.jpg
10 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

One of the Draco engines on display.

dragonint-1-of-9.jpg
11 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

The futuristic control panel inside the V2.

dragonint-3-of-9.jpg
12 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

This is what one of the seats looks like, all carbon fiber to save weight.

dragonint-4-of-9.jpg
13 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

While the displays are touchscreens, physical buttons are provided for crucial tasks.

dragonint-5-of-9.jpg
14 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

Yes, there's a joystick, too.

dragonint-6-of-9.jpg
15 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

Seats seven in spartan luxury.

dragonint-9-of-9.jpg
16 of 16 Tim Stevens/CNET

SpaceX Dragon V2

Accomodations are somewhat lacking, but we imagine the view will more than make up for that.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos