Nasa astronauts splash down safely in SpaceX Dragon capsule – The National

Nasa astronauts splash down safely in SpaceX Dragon capsule – The National

Astronauts' return in Gulf of Mexico is first splashdown in 45 years





























This Nasa video frame grab image shows fast boats moving toward the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft following its splashdown off the coast of Pensacola, in Florida on August 2, 2020 AFP











Two Nasa astronauts who crewed the SpaceX Dragon capsule have returned to Earth, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico.



The successful return from the International Space Station ends an unprecedented test flight by Elon Musks's SpaceX company.



It was the first splashdown by US astronauts in 45 years, in the first commercially built and operated spacecraft to carry people to and from orbit.



The return clears the way for another SpaceX crew launch as early as next month and possible tourist flights next year.



Test pilots Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken rode the Dragon capsule back to Earth less than a day after departing the International Space Station and two months after blasting off from Florida.





The capsule parachuted into the calm gulf waters about 65 kilometres off the coast of Pensacola, hundreds of kilometres from Tropical Storm