SpaceX crew returns to Earth, splashes down in Gulf
“Thank you for flying SpaceX” – Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken return to Earth
Two American astronauts have splashed down, as the first commercial crewed mission to the International Space Station returned to Earth. Doug Hurley’s and Bob Behnken’s capsule hit the water at about 14:48 EDT (19:48 BST; 18:48 GMT).
The SpaceX Dragon Capsule came down in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Pensacola on Florida’s Gulf coast.
The touchdown marks the first crewed US water landing since the final outing of an Apollo command module 45 years ago.
By Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
Mission accomplished!
Two US astronauts successfully floated back to Earth in a SpaceX capsule Sunday — splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico to cap a historic voyage.
Spacemen Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley glided to the ocean under four massive parachutes that brought their craft down safely after two months inside the International Space Station — the first NASA water landing since 1975.
The pair began their descent inside the Crew Dragon Endeavour space capsule on Saturday evening, when the craft detached from the station and began its return trip.
“Welcome back to planet Earth and thanks for flying SpaceX,” said Mission Control from the company’s headquarters as they landed.
“It was truly our honor and privilege,” Hurley replied.
President Trump also welcomed the pair back to the planet.
“Astronauts complete first splashdown in 45 years. Very exciting!” Trump tweeted. “Great to have NASA Astronauts return to Earth after a very successful two month mission. Thank you to all!”
The capsule was taken aboard a recovery ship, where both space travelers eventually emerged — both flashing a thumbs up before being sent for medical exams.
So much win. Read the entire article here: NY Post
Category: Blue Skies, NASA, Science and Technology
While SpaceX hits it out of the park, Boeing is still planning for a second uncrewed demo mission for the fall…
Watched this yesterday. Thank goodness we don’t have NASA being obstructionist to civil development of space flight any longer. American astronauts flying in American equipment returning to American off the American coast is the way it should be. So glad we don’t have to ride the Commie Express any longer.
^THIS^ ‘Murica! Hell to the Yes! As I commented when the SpaceX Dragon/Falcon 9 FIRST launched this successful mission 2 months ago; eff you you effing effers, ie the Chinese Communists, North Korean Communists, Russian Communists, European wanna be Communists AND anybody else that thinks they can be more of a Space Cowboy than Americans. Americans built that,lead by a true African American. One that CHOSE to become an American, that understood, despite Her warts, America is still the greatest Nation in the world and has made the standard of living and quality of life to improve for people all over the world.
For all of you America haters, why don’t you just go ahead and leave, or better yet, why don’t you just FOAD.
What ya wanna bet that ChipNASA and all the others involved in our Space Program had serious stirrings in their nether regions?
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA!!!!!!!!!!!
There ya go KoB!
I’ve got a brother that works in Houston with United Launch Alliance, so he may well have been involved in this little adventure.
Sadly, he’s a leftist fool, and never seemed to understand that his hero obama did all he could to destroy US space capabilities, or how they’ve come back under President Trump.
Ideology over all I guess.
BUT, it was ruined when a boat with a MAGA flag motored thru the live feed.
+250
You mean this?
‘Bout damned time this happened.
If anyone has a ton of money and is interested, Virgin Galactic is now showing off their proposed tourist vehicle for a suborbital adventure.