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) — A rough-toothed dolphin that stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts determined it was in poor health. The animal was found alive near Sea and Suds, prompting a coordinated emergency response. Multiple local agencies and marine specialists assessed the situation.
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — A private developer worked with state wildlife officials to safely relocate several gopher tortoises in Baldwin County. The project shows that construction can proceed without putting protected species at risk. State officials say the effort highlights better coordination between regulat
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Riviera Utilities has announced it will offer free severe-storm preparedness sessions to the public. These sessions are available to neighborhood groups, businesses, churches, and civic clubs. The utility provider said its team wants to help neighbors feel more prepared for the season. The session
Resort market leads gains while the traditional sector shows mixed results
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach sophomore MK McMullan has been named the 2026 MaxPreps Player of the Year for Alabama, following a dominant season that saw her help lead the Makos to their sixth consecutive state championship.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Heading into the weekend, Orange Beach Surf Rescue is warning of dangerous conditions, with waves expected this weekend and Double Red Flags likely flying. The alert comes after a busy start to the season, with hazardous surf showing up more often than not. Over the past two weeks alone,
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley could see a major utility project with more than $2 million set aside for the work. The goal is to improve storm resiliency. City leaders say the project would help protect key services during major tropical storms.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is expressing heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Councilman Jerry Johnson as he steps down from the Orange Beach City Council to devote his time and energy to his family during a deeply personal health crisis. Councilman Johnson announced his resignation at Tue
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is moving ahead with a new industrial site. City leaders said it could create jobs and revenue for Foley and Alabama. State funding will help purchase the land. Officials called the purchase an investment in the area's future.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge is returning to The Wharf in Orange Beach. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the event qualifies competitors for the World Food Championships. Culinary teams, restaurants, and individuals from across the region are invited to comp
