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...
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Commission began a new leadership term on Wednesday with a swearing-in ceremony attended by family members, elected officials, county employees, and community leaders. Three newly elected commissioners took the oath of office. Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Motorists traveling along Miflin Road in Foley should expect delays as crews close one lane to construct turn lanes and complete roadway improvements. The closure will affect Miflin Road, also designated County Road 20, between the Foley Beach Express (SR 161) and Frank Cole Lane.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is bringing the Coastal Christmas Market back to Orange Beach this month. The annual event draws shoppers seeking handmade crafts, fine art, retail goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Admission to the market is free for all attendees. The event is open to
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores has officially updated its home occupation regulations with the passage of Ordinance 2231, bringing much-needed flexibility to remote workers and home-based entrepreneurs. Designed to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, the amended zoning text lifts previous
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — When football season arrives on Alabama's Gulf Coast, the fun extends far beyond the stadium. From waterfront seafood shacks to lively beachfront bars, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are packed with great spots to gather with friends and family, catch every play on a big screen, and enjoy
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A local man taken into custody near two campuses now faces an upgraded felony charge following an investigation into reports of an armed person, prompting precautionary security measures across local school facilities. Officers responded quickly to the area to resolve the situation and secure
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores will host Community Christmas at multiple city facilities, offering residents and visitors photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, and crafts and activities from local businesses and community organizations.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast has a rich military history and a deep respect and appreciation for the men and women who dedicate their lives to defending our freedoms. Veterans Day offers a chance to recognize them for their bravery and thank them for their sacrifice and service.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores Fitness Coordinator Holly Howell recently led a group of women on an overnight backpacking adventure along Alabama's Pinhoti Trail. The excursion was part of the city's Off the Beaten Path recreation and fitness program.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — November is hitting the coast at full speed this week—and we’re here for it! The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival is filling our island with music, alongside local art, family fun, waterfront adventures, a comic hero’s luncheon, and a special day honoring our veterans.
