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) — Orange Beach has been named as one of the most charming small towns in Alabama by World Atlas. You may be surprised by another town in Baldwin county which also made the list.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy its Annual Christmas Trail this holiday season. The event takes place along a decorated boardwalk and wooded trail that highlight the natural setting. Organizers say the trail is designed as a family-friendly...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Animal Control is again turning holiday spirit into real help for animals in need. The group has launched its Third Annual Pet Angel Tree, giving residents a simple way to support local dogs and cats. The tree is set up in the lobby of the Orange Beach Police Department.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents of Baldwin County and nearby communities are getting ready for an evening of food, music, and giving back. The Mystics of Pleasure Baldwin County Benevolent Fund is partnering with the Krewe de Swan to host its Annual Taste of the Island fundraiser. The event will feature local...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Crews in Foley are busy changing the look of the city’s main roads for the winter season. Workers are removing warm-weather flowers and putting in new plants that can handle colder nights. The work is part of the city’s landscaping schedule. Drivers can see changes along town routes.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — If you are a local to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area then you know the name of one of the most philanthropic people to ever step foot in Baldwin County and the beaches.
In history the designation of a dark day typically meant something negative. In the 1950s, the City of Philadelphia turned that around. Police in Philadelphia began using the term "Black Friday" to describe the chaotic and overwhelming crowds of shoppers and tourists who flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving,
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley’s Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market marked Thanksgiving early by feeding patrons and neighbors. The market hosted events to support South Baldwin County. Organizers focused on food, fellowship and service. Local vendors and donations made the effort possible.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Peninsula community is preparing to welcome visitors for a special holiday event this winter. Organizers have announced that the neighborhood will open its gates to the public for home tours. This event offers a unique chance to see inside several private residences. The showcase is...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Holiday fun and charity will come together this year at The Wharf in Orange Beach as planners prepare for the 6th Annual Santa Pub Crawl. The event is promoted as one of the most jolly traditions on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Organizers invite participants to wear Santa suits, elf ears, or...
