SpaceX gains NASA's approval to reuse Crew Dragon capsules for upcoming crewed missions—a move experts anticipated but expected later.
This past Sunday, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley splashed down safely at 8:48 p.m. (French time) off Florida's coast, marking the successful end of SpaceX's Demo-2 mission. Relive the historic landing here.
Unlike the Apollo-era Pacific recoveries, NASA and SpaceX opted for the Atlantic Ocean this time. This choice speeds up astronauts' return to their Houston homes post-mission.
Landing off Florida also benefits SpaceX logistically, enabling quick transport of Crew Dragon capsules back to Cape Canaveral Air Force Base facilities within days. These efficiencies are crucial now that NASA authorizes capsule reuse for joint operations.
The upcoming Crew-1 mission in September remains unaffected, launching with a new Falcon 9 rocket and fresh Crew Dragon spacecraft.
However, Crew-2—slated for spring 2021 and featuring French astronaut Thomas Pesquet—will reuse the Falcon 9 first stage from Crew-1 and the Demo-2 Dragon capsule.
SpaceX's Director of Crew Mission Management, Benji Reed, confirmed the company will refurbish the capsule in weeks. Each vehicle is designed for up to five orbital missions.
Reusability has long aligned with NASA's strategy to slash operational costs dramatically.
Originally, the commercial crew contract mandated new capsules for the first six missions. A May contract modification accelerated SpaceX's reuse timeline.
