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...
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Commission has received federal funding to install new beach safety markers along the Fort Morgan Peninsula to enhance emergency response on the shoreline. The highly visible markers will be placed at public access points and nearby streets. County officials say the...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A popular lunchtime music series is returning to downtown Foley this spring, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy live performances during the week. The free concert series, called Midday Melodies, will again be held in Heritage Park. City officials say the event aims to bring people...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Families in Foley will have several chances to celebrate reading when the Foley Public Library hosts Read Across America Week. Children and their parents are invited to enjoy special storytimes, crafts, and other activities. Library staff says the goal is to make reading exciting and fun for...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Parks and Recreation invites residents to join a free 14-day Spring Wellness Challenge aimed at helping people reset their health goals. The program encourages participants to reset their habits and move forward intentionally for the rest of the year. Organizers say it is...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores is preparing to launch Phase Two of its Waterway East Extension project, which aims to improve local traffic flow and east/west connectivity. The next phase follows the successful completion of the first section and is fully funded by a RESTORE grant.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Invasion is a popular car and truck show held every spring at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The event attracts custom vehicle owners and enthusiasts from all over the United States and Canada. It features numerous cars, trucks, and hot rods on display, along with vendors...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council had a congratulatory start to this week's meeting. The city Programs & Events Manager, Brigette Reynolds, praised to city and participants for their efforts. Awards were given for for selected floats that took part in the parade.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Jelly Roll is coming to Orange Beach this summer, bringing his blend of country, rock, and southern soul to The Wharf Amphitheater. Fans will have the chance to see the chart-topping artist live when he performs as part of his Little ASS Shed Tour. The concert will also feature rising...
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Council on Aging has introduced a new weekly program to help older adults become more comfortable using their cell phones. The program, called "Cell Phone Fridays," provides free, one-on-one assistance with everyday phone tasks. It is open to seniors throughout Baldwin...
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A site plan review before the Gulf Shores Planning Commission will consider adding commercial buildings and a warehouse in the area of Standard Furniture in Gulf Shores. The property is located on the west side of State Route 59, across from the Pelican Place shopping center.
