# C101 > spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX **Wikidata**: [Q102613046](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102613046) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/c101 ## Summary C101 is the first spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX, specifically the Dragon spacecraft (COTS-1) that completed an orbital mission on December 8, 2010. This spacecraft represented SpaceX's initial entry into the commercial spaceflight industry and was later decommissioned and put on display at SpaceX Headquarters. ## Key Facts - C101 is the first spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX to successfully complete an orbital mission - The spacecraft was launched on December 8, 2010, as part of SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 1 - C101 was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 - The spacecraft has multiple aliases: SpaceX Dragon C101, CRS Dragon C101, and Dragon C101 - C101 has a serial number of C101 and is classified as both a Dragon spacecraft and an exhibit - After decommissioning, the spacecraft is now on permanent exhibition at SpaceX Headquarters - C101 was succeeded by C102, another spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX - The spacecraft originated from the United States and was manufactured by SpaceX ## FAQs ### Q: What was C101's significance in space exploration? A: C101, also known as the SpaceX Dragon COTS-1, was the first privately developed spacecraft to return from orbit and successfully complete a mission for NASA. It demonstrated that private companies could take on previously government-only spaceflight capabilities, marking a milestone in commercial spaceflight. ### Q: When and where was C101 launched? A: C101 was launched on December 8, 2010, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. It was part of the SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 1 mission, a crucial step in NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. ### Q: What happened to C101 after its mission? A: After completing its mission, C101 was decommissioned from active service. It was later put on permanent display at SpaceX Headquarters as an exhibit, where it remains today. ### Q: How does C101 compare to later Dragon spacecraft? A: C101 was the first in the Dragon spacecraft series, serving as the prototype that paved the way for subsequent versions like C102. While later Dragon spacecraft became more advanced and were used for cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station, C101 specifically demonstrated the viability of the Dragon design. ### Q: What made C101 different from previous spacecraft? A: C101 was notable as one of the first privately-developed spacecraft to successfully complete an orbital mission, contrasting with government-designed spacecraft of the era. It was also one of the first to be designed with reusability in mind, which later became a hallmark of SpaceX's approach to spaceflight. ## Why It Matters C101 represents a pivotal moment in space exploration history as it helped transition spaceflight from government-only to commercially viable operations. As the first Dragon spacecraft to complete an orbital mission, it validated SpaceX's approach to spacecraft design and served as proof that private companies could reliably deliver cargo to orbit and return to Earth. This success directly contributed to NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program, allowing private industry to take over cargo delivery to the International Space Station. The spacecraft's later exhibition at SpaceX Headquarters also marks its cultural significance as a symbol of the new commercial space era, inspiring future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs. ## Notable For - Being the first spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX to complete an orbital mission - Participating in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Demo Flight 1 - Demonstrating the viability of private spacecraft for NASA missions - Being one of the first spacecraft designed with reusability in mind - Being the first Dragon spacecraft to be put on permanent display as an exhibit ## Body ### Overview C101 is the first spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX, specifically the Dragon spacecraft model that completed the company's first orbital mission. It was also known by multiple aliases including SpaceX Dragon C101, CRS Dragon C101, and Dragon C101. ### Mission Details C101 was launched on December 8, 2010, as part of the SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 1 mission. The launch occurred from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, a significant facility for SpaceX operations at the time. This mission was a crucial part of NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, which aimed to encourage private companies to develop cargo delivery capabilities to the International Space Station. ### Physical Characteristics - Serial Number: C101 - Manufacturer: SpaceX - Country of Origin: United States - Class: Dragon (reusable cargo spacecraft by SpaceX) ### Current Status After completing its mission, C101 was decommissioned from active spaceflight service. Instead of being retired to a scrapyard, it was preserved and put on permanent display at SpaceX Headquarters as an exhibit, commemorating its historic role in the company's development and the broader commercial spaceflight industry. ### Historical Context C101 represents the beginning of SpaceX's operational spacecraft program. It was succeeded by C102, continuing the Dragon spacecraft line that would later evolve to include both cargo and crew versions capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. The success of C101 and subsequent missions helped establish SpaceX as a major player in the aerospace industry. ## References 1. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt) 2. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/002/101209reaction/) 3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dragon-c1.htm) 4. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/20/spacex-puts-historic-flown-rocket-on-permanent-display/)