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) — Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, New Year’s Day starts with a plate that is part superstition, part family story. In kitchens across the Gulf Coast, cooks lean on peas, greens, and cornbread, then often add a side of fresh seafood. Each item is chosen with a purpose, meant to invite luck...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Top Stories on the OBA News website range from a record-setting boating journey to a serious boat explosion at Safe Harbor Marina, with transportation projects, weather threats, and wildlife updates also drawing strong interest. Readers are following a 71‑year‑old boater’s sprint...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will offer special admission discounts throughout January and February to welcome the new year. The Gulf Shores nonprofit zoo announced two promotions to make visits more affordable for families and seniors. General admission includes daily keeper chats and...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with plans for a new fire station to serve the growing northeast side of the city. City leaders say the project will improve response times and give firefighters better access to major roads in that area. The station will be built on East Fern Avenue between Alabama 59 and...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Tickets for the 2026 Winter Concert Series in Gulf Shores are now on sale. The series will host three different acts that feature comedy, Motown, and classic rock on the local stage. The performances will all take place at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Organizers are encouraging fans to...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — 506 N. Pine Street in Foley is opening its doors as a warming center for people who need a safe place to escape the cold. Church leaders say the effort is part of their ongoing mission to serve neighbors in need. The warming center will be set up in the church’s Parish Hall and will welcome anyone
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the calendar turns and a brand-new year approaches, the Gulf Coast comes alive with opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and start fresh. From goal-setting workshops and scenic winter cruises to family-friendly festivities, lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, and bold New Year’s Day...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Community Association will be honoring our local heroes at its January Pot Luck gathering. This gathering will serve as the annual first responder appreciation dinner and awards ceremony. It is the first Orange Beach potluck dinner of 2026. The association organizes these m
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents and visitors along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast will celebrate the start of 2026 with traditional cold-water plunges. These annual events draw thousands of people to the shoreline to jump into the Gulf at high noon. Local venues in Gulf Shores and Perdido Key provide food...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Families in Orange Beach will have the opportunity to start the new year outdoors with a guided First Day Hike at Gulf State Park. Park naturalists will lead the event and is suitable for all ages. Organizers say the hike will follow a paved, easy-to-walk path. It also provides several spo
