First look at SpaceX Dragon Capsule Cupola for Inspiration 4

First look at SpaceX's Dragon Capsule Cupola for Inspiration4

Space Explored By Derek Wise September 1, 2021

Back in March, we learned that SpaceX will be installing a cupola on Dragon Capsule Resilience for the Inspiration4 mission. Image: SpaceX

The cupola takes the place of the docking adapter. The Inspiration4 mission will not be docking with a Space Station or vehicle, so the adapter is unnecessary. Image: NASA

The Inspiration4 crew travelled to California, to look at the new Cupola before it was shipped to Florida and integrated with Dragon Capsule Resilience. Image: SpaceX/Inspiration4

The cupola, under the nosecone of the capsule, will provide a wide view of the Earth as they are in orbit for three days. Image: SpaceX/Inspiration4

The cupola seems to have covers to protect it at the locations of the forward thrusters. The small sections only slightly inhibit the 360° view. Image: SpaceX/Inspiration4 & NASA

Inspiration4 is set to launch in just 14 days, and the crew has undergone a great deal of training in preparation. Image: SpaceX/Inspiration4

The whole mission is being covered as part of a Netflix documentary. The 5 part documentary will cover the crew, training for launch, and return home from the mission.