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...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast is buzzing as the season picks up speed. There's no slowing down for these coastal towns! From MoonPies flying through the air to boats, bead tossing, and oyster education, there’s even a spooky haunted history tour after dark. Each day presents a new opportunity to gather...
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Need a good used car? Need a car? Foley will declare more than 20 vehicles and pieces of equipment in the city’s fleet from various departments as surplus and no longer needed. Foley is also looking to add some new vehicles to city departments, as well as replacements.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Graham Creek Nature Preserve is preparing for a major archery event and has announced details of a temporary closure during the tournament. The preserve will host the ASA Archery Tournament and anticipates increased activity during that week. Officials say the changes are aimed at ensuring the...
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is looking to add even more sidewalks along the north side of West Beach Boulevard. Thanks to a Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation, 80 percent of the project will be funded, with the city covering the remaining 20 percent.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Outdoor enthusiasts in South Baldwin County have a new reason to lace up their hiking boots this spring. The City of Gulf Shores Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is launching a specialized program for beginners. This initiative aims to teach residents how to navigate the Great...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As Alabama nears the peak of its spring tornado season, Governor Kay Ivey is reminding families and businesses to be prepared for extreme weather conditions. On Friday, she encouraged Alabamians to participate in the state’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley families will have an extra reason to visit Heritage Park during the Mardi Gras school break as the Foley Event Train adds special holiday runs for residents and visitors. The small train, a popular attraction for children, will circle the park several times each day. City officials say...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Hangout in Gulf Shores is officially launching its 2026 hiring campaign for the busy season ahead. This iconic beachside spot is seeking energetic individuals to join its famous Gulf Party Crew. The restaurant is known for its lively, family-friendly vibe on the white-sand beach.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The city of Foley has once again demonstrated its dedication to excellence in financial management. Recently, local officials announced that the municipal finance department received a major national award for its efforts. This recognition highlights the city's ability to provide clear...
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — The 2026 Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest will return for another weekend of fresh seafood, music, and art along Alabama’s Gulf Coast in just 2 weeks. Each year, the festival attracts visitors eager to enjoy Fort Morgan’s homegrown oysters prepared in various flavorful styles. The event...
