NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2: Teams Targeting Gulf of Mexico for Splashdown
Marie Lewis, NASA • August 1, 2020
SpaceX Capsule Splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico south of Gulf Shores
Watch live coverage of the SpaceX splashdown below...
SpaceX Crew Dragon DM-2 Splashdown coverage continues with splashdown scheduled at 1:48 p.m. CDT.
(OBA®) - UPDATE on August 2, 2020 at 7:55 am - At 12:36 pm there will be a communications blackout for about 6 minutes as the SpaceX capsule re-enters earth's atmosphere. At 12:42 pm communications will return.
The Trunk Separation will take place at 12:51 pm. The deorbit burn will last 11.5 minutes. On re-entry the outside of the capsule will reach temperatures in excess of 3,500 degrees. The inside the capsule will be 85°.
Parachutes will deploy at 1:45pm. The time of splashdown is now scheduled for 1:48 pm CDT.
At splashdown the capsule will be moving at 15 mph.
We have asked NASA if we'll be able to see the splashdown from the beach. NASA answered on their live feed... They said we should be able to see the orange and white parachutes, but they aren't sure.
Gulf of Mexico off of Pensacola and Orange Beach is primary target site for splashdown on Sunday.
(OBA®) - Following a scheduled assessment of weather conditions for splashdown, teams from NASA and SpaceX are proceeding with preparations to bring NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley home to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon “Endeavour” spacecraft.
Conditions are “Go” at the primary targeted site, off the coast Pensacola, and alternate site off the coast of Panama City in the Gulf of Mexico for splashdown and recovery on Sunday, Aug. 2. Teams will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Isaias and evaluate impacts to the potential splashdown sites.
SpaceX will monitor changes to conditions until 2.5 hours prior to the scheduled undocking, when a determination to proceed with departure will be made. If conditions are marginal and exceed the accepted criteria, a joint recommendation by SpaceX and NASA will be made whether to proceed with undocking at 7:34 p.m. EDT. NASA and SpaceX will make the final decision to proceed after the astronauts are ready inside Crew Dragon just before undocking.
Live coverage of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 return will begin at 5:15 p.m. and continue through the targeted splashdown at 2:41 p.m. EDT on Sunday, the first return of a commercially built and operated American spacecraft carrying astronauts from the space station. It will wrap up NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight after more than two months at the International Space Station.
Hurley and Behnken arrived at the orbiting laboratory in the Crew Dragon May 31 following a launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 30. This is SpaceX’s final test flight and is providing data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking, splashdown, and recovery operations.
More details about the return can be found in the Top 10 Things to Know for NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Return.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — ONE Club Gulf Shores is hosting its 2025 Fall Charity Golf Classic to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organizers say the community event will combine friendly competition with a clear purpose. The tournament will raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Leaders at the...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CoastAL Orange Beach will bring back its Gumbo Fest Cook-Off Challenge for a second year. Organizers said the debut in 2024 drew strong interest from cooks and guests. The event features gumbo tastings, live music, and coastal views. Competitors will prepare samplings for judges and the...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Flounder fishing along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast will follow strict timing and catch rules this fall. Season closures and reopenings vary by state. Both states require a minimum size for any flounder kept. Daily bag limits apply for recreational fishers, with separate limits for...
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley Planning Commission will hear two requests for extensions of subdivisions where plans call for 227 single-family homesites. Driftwood Lakes is a subdivision planned for south of County Road 26 and east of County Road 65 in the city’s planning jurisdiction. There are 139 lots planned...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach City Schools is set to open its new athletics center this week. District leaders say the $46.1 million project will serve students and the community. The facility features venues for multiple sports and training. It is designed to host tournaments and school events.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with construction plans for a new park in the Mills community. City leaders say the project will bring needed amenities and better connections to nearby areas. The plan includes detailed site work and new sidewalks to link residents to the city. Officials also say the...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast Zoo will host its annual Boo at the Zoo this weekend as part of its fundraising efforts. The nonprofit says proceeds help cover animal care and operations. Zoo Director of Development Paula White emphasized the importance of community support in keeping the facility running...
NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) — The United States Navy is celebrating a milestone this year as it marks 250 years of service to the nation. The Navy has transformed from a tiny fleet into the world's most powerful naval force. Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida plays an important role in keeping the Navy's...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — This week, activity across the Alabama Gulf Coast continues in full swing with a lineup that continuously blends community spirit, outdoor adventure and local entertainment. Highlights this week include K-POP Hunter performing and being present at the Hangout, educational and...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Planning Commission will consider several development requests during its meeting this evening. These include a rezoning proposal to convert a former Baptist church into a 100-room hotel. Rodney Jones is seeking to rezone 7.9 acres from single-family residential to...
