SpaceX Shifting Dragon Ocean Recovery Operations To California

SpaceX will shift the recovery operations for its Dragon cargo and crew spacecraft from Florida to California next year after five years of splashdowns on the East Coast. The decision comes after several incidents where debris, including a charred piece found in North Carolina, was discovered on land. SpaceX will revert to its previous practice of keeping the so called “trunk” attached to the spacecraft until after reentry. The method, used during 21 missions starting in 2010, aims to prevent debris from reaching land. The move to the West Coast is also motivated by more favorable weather conditions, reducing the risk of hurricane disruptions. Recovery will occur in the Pacific, with the spacecraft then transported back here to the Cape for preparation.