JACKSONVILLE, FLA – Falling Spacecraft Alert! Astronauts are returning to Earth today, with splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico expected at approximately 5:57 p.m. ET on March 18. NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for a 17-hour journey back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).
The U.S. Coast Guard has designated five splashdown zones in the Gulf to steer clear of during the recovery operation. These areas are offshore near Pensacola, Destin, Alligator Point, Clearwater, and the Dry Tortugas. Boaters are urged to give these zones a wide berth to ensure a safe and smooth recovery process.
Navigation hazards from space capsule reentry activities may include freefalling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components under various means of control. Mariners are urged to avoid the reentry sites during reentry windows.
The SpaceX Dragon recovery vessel Megan is already en route in the western Gulf after departing from Port Manatee on Monday morning. Megan has been a key part of Dragon recovery missions since early 2018, providing critical support in safely retrieving returning spacecraft and astronauts.
Ideal Weather Conditions for Recovery
The weather couldn’t be better for a Gulf splashdown. Light winds and seas under 2 feet are expected, creating calm conditions for both the capsule’s descent and the recovery team’s operations. These smooth seas and minimal wind will make it easier for the recovery vessel to locate and secure the capsule quickly, ensuring the astronauts' safety.
Once Megan meets up with Dragon, the capsule will be raised onto the recovery ship, where the astronauts will be taken to the onboard medical facility for checkouts. A helicopter will then ferry them from the vessel to land.
Watch It Live
NASA will provide live coverage of the deorbit burn, entry, and landing starting at 4:45 p.m. ET on NASA+. Once the Dragon capsule splashes down, Megan will lift it onto the recovery ship, where the astronauts will undergo initial medical checks before being transported back to land.