SpaceX’s Crew-7 astronauts have successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the end of their six-and-a-half-month mission. The team, consisting of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, is set for a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico early Tuesday morning. This event presents a unique opportunity for spectators in over a dozen states to witness the spacecraft’s reentry and homecoming.
Viewing the Crew Dragon’s Descent
The Crew Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to reenter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, becoming visible over Wyoming around 5:36 a.m. ET. Its trajectory will also allow visibility over several other states, including South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. NASA has released a map detailing the expected viewing opportunities for this awe-inspiring event.
Stay Clear of the Landing Zone
NASA has issued a stern warning for the public to steer clear of the splashdown zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Coordinated safety measures with the United States Coast Guard, SpaceX, and NASA are in place to ensure both public safety and the security of the recovery operations and crew. The presence of unauthorized boats in the area not only poses a risk to the astronauts and recovery teams but also to individuals who may venture too close to the splashdown zone.
Live Stream Coverage
For those unable to view the spectacle directly, NASA is offering live stream coverage of the Crew Dragon’s return on its YouTube channel, starting at 4:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The broadcast will feature live communications between the astronauts and Mission Control, as well as footage of the spacecraft as it approaches the landing zone, ensuring space enthusiasts don’t miss out on this historic event.
