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Astronauts report successful splashdown
NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken reported a successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Fla., completing their return mission to Earth from the International Space Station.

Moments after the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour capsule hit the water, mission controllers radioed to the crew congratulating them on their return journey.

“On behalf of the SpaceX and NASA teams, welcome home and thanks for flying SpaceX,” mission control said.

“It’s truly our honor and privilege,” Hurley responded. “On behalf of the Dragon Endeavour, congrats to NASA and SpaceX.” He later radioed back, “All is well.”

SpaceX fast boats will soon approach the Endeavour to recover its parachutes from the water and check for any leaking propellants. The Go Navigator mother ship will then approach and hoist the Endeavour aboard, where recovery crews will secure the capsule and open the side hatch, allowing medical professionals to evaluate the astronauts and help them out of the spacecraft.

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The recovery process experienced two small hiccups. After the spacecraft splashed down, private boaters quickly surrounded the Endeavour before SpaceX safety crews could shoo them away. One boat with a Trump flag came mere yards from the spacecraft.