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SpaceX moves Dragon splash-down to Long Beach next year
The Dragon spacecraft shortly after it landed off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.
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NASA
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Getty Images
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Topline:
SpaceX is moving the landing and recovery for its Dragon recovery vessel to Long Beach starting next year, according to the company.
What does this mean for Long Beach? Mayor Rex Richardson said on X the Port of Long Beach will welcome back both NASA and other private astronauts who are returning to Earth from orbit and beyond.
Excited to share a Space Beach update! Long Beach will be the new home to @SpaceX’s Dragon recovery vessel as their West Coast Recovery Operations team based out of the @portoflongbeach will welcome back both @NASA and other private astronauts who are returning to Earth from… pic.twitter.com/5G5hidM4sQ
— Office of Mayor Rex Richardson (@LongBeachMayor) July 28, 2024
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Why the move? SpaceX said the move is meant to reduce debris and “fully eliminate the risk of trunk debris landing on populated areas without increasing risk to Dragon crew or the public.”
SpaceX’s recovery operation began in 2012 on the U.S. West Coast before it moved to its East Coast location in 2019, according to the company.
The city of Long Beach and SpaceX did not immediately respond for comment.
What is the Dragon? SpaceX developed the Dragon spacecraft to transport cargo and crew to the International Space Station, other locations in the Earth’s orbit and beyond. The Dragon is frequently used in collaboration with NASA for space-related missions and currently drops into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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