NASA, SpaceX target Gulf of Mexico for Crew Dragon Splashdown; monitoring Hurricane Isaias

As NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley prepare to journey back to Earth with first splashdown return in 45 years, NASA Chief Jim Bridenstine on Saturday, August 1 informed that US ncy and X are targeting Pensacola as primary return location.

NASA and X are all set to bring home US two astronauts in Crew Dragon capsule, which blasted off from Cape Canaveral on May 30 and docked into International Station (ISS) next day. 

After receiving a wear briefing from US Air Force 45th Wear Squron, NASA and X proceeded with preparations to bring two astronauts back to Earth.  astronauts are expected to return around 7:34 pm EDT on August 2, however, officials worry that Hurricane Isaias might delay return. 

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Gulf of Mexico targeted

Even with hurricane at sight, NASA in its blog said that conditions remain ‘Go’ at several of needed target locations for splashdown and recovery off Florida coast on Sunday. 

While primary targeted site remains coast Pensacola, alternate site is off coast of Panama City in Gulf of Mexico for splashdown and recovery. NASA will continue to closely monitor impact of Hurricane Isaias on landing sites in Gulf of Mexico along Florida.

X will also be monitoring changes to conditions until 2.5 hours prior to schedule undocking when a determination to proceed with departure will be me. Once back on Earth, Crew Dragon Capsule will be in water for about an hour before it is hauled by crane onto a X recovery ship. It will be ar hour before hatch is opened and two astronauts are moved to recovery. 

(Im: @JimBrindestine/Twitter) 

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