LIVE: SpaceX Dragon CRS-1 (SpX-1) (EOM) Unberthing, Entry, Splashdown

[corrodedNut]

Looks like that was taken from aboard ship. Hopefully they also have video from the
plane (helicopter?) as well.

[rdale]

And Captain Obvious (along with his friend) made sure we knew what it's called when the capsule hits the water and causes a splash

As obvious as the tornado videos I watch when people yell "LIGHTNING" a second after you see the lightning strike...

[Silmfeanor]

And Captain Obvious (along with his friend) made sure we knew what it's called when the capsule hits the water and causes a splash

As obvious as the tornado videos I watch when people yell "LIGHTNING" a second after you see the lightning strike...

perhaps they where in radio contact with MCC-hawthorne? 

[corrodedNut]

from twitter

Higher res:  http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p278054961/h492e5cbc#h492e5cbc

[Lars_J]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

[JBF]

That's a different setup then what they have used previously. Looks like they got tired of the barge + commercial crane.

[mr. mark]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

So true, capsule recovery has come a long way since the old days.

[TrueBlueWitt]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

American Islander
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?MMSI=367035570

[Avron]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

American Islander
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?MMSI=367035570

Small yes..  I looked for other boats.. nothing other than cargo carriers at the time of recovery, in the area..

That "A' frame is new.. (installed after Feb) http://photos.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?photoid=710895&size=full

[Spugpow]

Is it just me, or does the spacecraft look less blackened than last time?

[Antares]

The other side is pretty charred.  See one of the other photos.

Either there's another boat or the aircraft taking the photos is many miles from home.  So probably not a helo.

[Lars_J]

Is it just me, or does the spacecraft look less blackened than last time?

Not really... It all depends on what side of the Dragon is showing in the photo. The "back side" chars more by design, you can see that side in this photo:

[Spugpow]

Ah, I see.

[Comga]

Photos!

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p278054961/h49297cec#h49297cec

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p278054961/h4929aa22#h4929aa22

Is there any particular reason for the other parachutes not being visible in the above shot, or am I missing them?

I don't see any other lines in the water, and its hard to imagine getting the other chutes of of the image field if they are still attached.  Could it be that after the wild wind-driven ride on COTS-2+ SpaceX cut away two of the chutes after spashdown?  Are there usually separate line cutters for individual parachutes?

[Zed_Noir]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

The semi-rigid inflatable boats are carry on the ship and launched with the forward crane.

This ship is slow. Only got a top speed of 12 knots, less when laden with load.

Wonder if the parachutes are recovered and reuse in future missions?

[robertross]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

My highlight: I have to wonder about that. Look how low the stern is in the water (or proud the bow is out of the water).

[TimL]

Considering that M/V American Islander has a rated deckload capacity of 70 tons, I doubt Dragon and the extra equipment on deck are bringing her anywhere near floundering...and she has had the A-frame for a long time, I know, she use to moor up right next to my ship in Honolulu harbor. A stout workboat and perfect for the job.

http://www.amarinecorp.com/Vessels/Tugs/American%20Islander%20Spec.pdf

[mto]

... Wonder if the parachutes are recovered and reuse in future missions?

I've been wondering about that too.

[Prober]

I'm really digging the small recovery flotilla... That ship seems perfectly sized to picking up a Dragon (and nothing else).

There might have been other ships in a wider area, and clearly there was an aircraft or helicopter that took this picture - but it is very cool in its minimalist efficiency.

Wonder if the parachutes are recovered and reuse in future missions?

wonder what new "employee" gets that job

[Comga]

If anyone hears an evaluation of the "miss distance" of Dragon from its landing target, I would appreciate seeing it.  So far what I have is that tweet that says it was quite small.