The images of the return to Earth of the Dragon capsule with two American astronauts illustrated both the impressive technical mastery of SpaceX and the astonishing lightness of the American authorities, unable to secure the ship's landing site. Just a quarter of an hour after the moment when the capsule hit the sea, slowed down in its descent by four gigantic parachutes but clearly blackened by the heating to more than 1000 degrees when it re-entered the atmosphere, about twenty Curious boaters speedboats were already circling around, just a few dozen meters from the craft. SpaceX's intervention semi-rigid then carefully kept its distance, until the toxic fuels from the propellants had faded.
To read also: Jean-François Clervoy: "SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule is very innovative"
NASA, for whom SpaceX was operating this demonstration flight of its manned capsule, was careful not to mention the incident in its official statement, but its boss, Jim Bridenstine, still admitted the problem.
This article is for subscribers only. You have 82% left to discover.
Subscribe: 1 € for 2 months
Cancellable at any time
Enter your emailAlready subscribed? Log in