NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Splashdown: Recovery Operations Underway

Fast boats move toward the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft following its splashdown off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.
Fast boats move toward the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft following its splashdown off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. Image credit: NASA TV

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley report they are feeling good inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft following splashdown minutes ago in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.

The recovery process should take about 45 minutes to an hour. Two fast boats carrying SpaceX personnel have deployed from the main recovery ship and are on their way to the Crew Dragon. The first boat will check the spacecraft and test for hazardous vapors in the immediate area. After they determine it’s safe, the Crew Dragon will be readied for recovery. Meanwhile, those aboard the second fast boat will recover the spacecraft’s parachutes from the water. The main recovery ship will hoist the Crew Dragon onto the deck, and once the hatch is opened, medical teams will check out the astronauts and help them out of the spacecraft.