Est. 2006
OBA on Social Media
Blog Layout
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) – Part classroom lesson, part real life problem-solving and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll has defined the school day for students at Foley and Gulf Shores high schools recently.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Easter is just around the corner, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the celebrations are already taking shape. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 this year, families have nearly three full weeks to enjoy a growing list of seasonal events stretching from Fort Morgan to Foley and over to Perdido Key. From egg hunts and bunny brunches to waterfront worship services and photo ops with live animals, the coast is gearing up for a busy and festive spring.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Garden Club hosted its 37th Annual Game Day fundraiser, an event that brings the community together for a day of fun and philanthropy each year. Under the leadership of 2025 Game Day Chair, Councilwoman Annette Mitchell, this year’s event was a resounding success.
Auburn will play Florida in the Final Four of the men's NCAA College Basketball Tournament. So it seems fitting that the ultimate game watch spot will be on the line at the Flora-Bama sports grill. Auburn defeated Michigan State by a score of 70-64 and punched their ticket to San Antonio for the big game. Now the SEC matchup between Alabama and Florida college teams makes the national championship more exciting for coastal fans.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As March gives way to April, the Alabama Gulf Coast eases into a fresh rhythm that blends springtime energy with coastal calm. This week, there’s a full slate of activities stretching from land to sea, catering to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of open-water fishing, the serenity of parasailing over crystal clear waters, or the excitement of local theater and family-friendly events, the Gulf Coast offers something for every pace and interest.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is once again in the running for a national award. It is part of USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice contest.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program (PPBEP) has launched a new Living Shoreline Assistance Program to help fight shoreline erosion and protect private property.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf State Park invites families to the Spring Beach Campout. The cost is $45 per tent for up to four people, with additional guests at $5 each. A parking pass is included.
This family-friendly event is open to adults and children of all ages. Participants under 18 must have a responsible adult with them. Families should bring their own food, nonalcoholic beverages, and camping essentials. All drinks must be in non-glass containers.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Orange Beach City Hall to help meet the ongoing need for blood donations.
The drive will take place on Monday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley is making progress in bringing back the trees lost nearly five years ago when Hurricane Sally hit the area. City crews have started replanting trees to help restore the urban forest.
