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...
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A brush fire burned through open land west of Sunrise Drive and State Highway 180, drawing a large emergency response. Fire crews moved quickly to stop the blaze before it could threaten homes in the area. Officials said about fifteen acres were affected by the fire. Responders credited...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores city officials are inviting nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that supports vital services for residents. The City has opened the Spring 2026 cycle of its Nonprofit Grants Program, which supports community groups expanding programs that serve Gulf Shores residents.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — While City officials must sometimes approve new construction projects, they also spend time preserving tranquil areas of nature in Gulf Shores. One such area is the Laguna Cove Nature Park in West Beach.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Game Day will return to Orange Beach this winter as the Orange Beach Garden Club prepares for its 38th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon fundraiser. The longtime event is known for combining casual tabletop games with homemade food and friendly competition. Community members gather not...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Ballyhoo Festival organizers are preparing to bring fine art, live music, and American heritage back to Gulf State Park this spring. The popular event draws both locals and visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast, for a weekend of culture and community. The festival also announced new support...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials are preparing to help people stay warm as forecasters watch the chance of rare winter weather along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency announced that a temporary warming center will open in Foley for anyone who needs a safe place out...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials will dedicate the city’s airport this afternoon in honor of former Mayor Arthur Holk, who led the community for two decades and helped guide its growth. The airport will now be known as Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport, recognizing Holk’s years of public service and his...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Hundreds of winter visitors packed the Foley Civic Center for the city’s annual Snowbird Coffee, turning the event into a busy morning of conversation, information and hospitality. Many of the guests were part-time residents who spend the colder months on the Alabama Gulf Coast. City staff...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach residents will soon have the chance to see some of the region’s top police dogs in action during a special community event. The Orange Beach Police Department is inviting families to attend a K9 Demonstration Night during the 2026 USPCA Region 1 K9 Trials. The event will...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley has added a new four-way stop near Baldwin Health Hospital to improve safety and traffic flow for drivers in the area. The change affects both North Alston Street and West Peachtree Avenue, where all vehicles must now come to a complete stop. City officials said the move is part of a...
