Netflix recently released a documentary called “Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space” that showcases astronauts’ preparation for their three-day journey. The series offers a sneak peek into the rigorous preparation needed for SpaceX missions.
And now, Reddit users have noticed something in the latest episode of the series. The users have noticed duct tape amongst an array of cargo and equipment in the Crew Dragon capsule, hidden away behind a panel. “Back of the Dragon displays double as storage,” read the post from a Reddit user, “with the important things like duct tape.”
Low tech but extremely handy
While duct tape might seem low-tech alongside all the costly equipment and complex instruments onboard the Crew Dragon, it’s been known to have saved the lives of astronauts. The clearest example is the Apollo 13 Moon mission, where an explosion vented oxygen into space.
Thankfully, there managed to build an air filtration system out of several materials in their module, including duct tape – keeping them alive for the rest of their journey home. Duct tape was also used during the Apollo 17 mission when astronauts accidentally knocked off the fender of their lunar buggy.
All-civilian flight ready to take off
Speaking of the view during the Inspiration4 mission, they are said to be in for a visual treat, all thanks to a new viewing window. Since the Inspiration4 mission isn’t going to the ISS, it doesn’t require a docking mechanism on the nose cone seen on NASA missions. It has left room for a fishbowl-like viewing window which is named a cupola, which will offer unprecedented views of Earth and the cosmos.
SpaceX is planning to launch the mission on September 15 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will last for three days and will be raising funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The civilian mission will be a new milestone in commercial space travel.
