Skip to main content
Space Space
Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Space Exploration
    • Launches & Spacecraft
      • Private spaceflight
      • Human spaceflight
      • SpaceX
      • Blue Origin
      • Virgin Galactic
      • United Launch Alliance
    • Search for Life
      • Exoplanets
      • SETI
      • Aliens
    • Missions
      • International Space Station
      • Space Shuttle
      • Apollo
      • Artemis
      • Voyager
      • Asteroid & Comet Missions
      • Mars rovers
      • New Horizons
      • Parker Solar Probe
    • Satellites
  • Astronomy
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • Asteroids
      • Mars
      • Comets
      • Mercury
      • Jupiter
      • Saturn
      • Pluto
      • Venus
      • Dwarf Planets
      • Neptune
      • Uranus
    • The Moon
      • Moon Phases
    • The Earth
      • Live 4K video from space
      • Climate Change
      • Weather
    • The Universe
      • Stars
      • Black Holes
      • Dark Universe
      • Galaxies
    • Deep Space
      • James Webb Space Telescope
      • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Stargazing
    • Skywatching Kit
      • Telescopes
      • Cameras
    • Astrophotography
    • Eclipses
      • Lunar Eclipses
      • Solar Eclipses
  • Entertainment
    • Space Movies & Shows
      • Star Trek
      • Star Wars
    • Space Games
    • Space Toys & Lego
    • Space Books
    • Technology
      • Drones
      • Aerospace
    • Science
      • Particle Physics
      • Astrophysics
  • Videos
    • Subscribe to our Newsletters
    • About Us
    • Web Notifications
  • home
  • Space Exploration
    • View Space Exploration
    • Launches & Spacecraft
      • View Launches & Spacecraft
      • Private spaceflight
      • Human spaceflight
      • SpaceX
      • Blue Origin
      • Virgin Galactic
      • United Launch Alliance
    • Search for Life
      • View Search for Life
      • Exoplanets
      • SETI
      • Aliens
    • Missions
      • View Missions
      • International Space Station
      • Space Shuttle
      • Apollo
      • Artemis
      • Voyager
      • Asteroid & Comet Missions
      • Mars rovers
      • New Horizons
      • Parker Solar Probe
    • Satellites
  • Astronomy
    • View Astronomy
    • Solar System
      • View Solar System
      • The Sun
      • Asteroids
      • Mars
      • Comets
      • Mercury
      • Jupiter
      • Saturn
      • Pluto
      • Venus
      • Dwarf Planets
      • Neptune
      • Uranus
    • The Moon
      • View The Moon
      • Moon Phases
    • The Earth
      • View The Earth
      • Live 4K video from space
      • Climate Change
      • Weather
    • The Universe
      • View The Universe
      • Stars
      • Black Holes
      • Dark Universe
      • Galaxies
    • Deep Space
      • View Deep Space
      • James Webb Space Telescope
      • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Stargazing
    • View Stargazing
    • Skywatching Kit
      • View Skywatching Kit
      • Telescopes
      • Cameras
    • Astrophotography
    • Eclipses
      • View Eclipses
      • Lunar Eclipses
      • Solar Eclipses
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • Space Movies & Shows
      • View Space Movies & Shows
      • Star Trek
      • Star Wars
    • Space Games
    • Space Toys & Lego
    • Space Books
    • Technology
      • View Technology
      • Drones
      • Aerospace
    • Science
      • View Science
      • Particle Physics
      • Astrophysics
  • Videos
    • Subscribe to our Newsletters
    • About Us
    • Web Notifications
Don't miss these
a man in a white pressure suit sits outside his spacecraft after landing back on Earth
International Space Station Russian Soyuz capsule lands on Earth to return crew of 3 home after months on International Space Station (video)
a lights from cities along the coast of a peninsula are seen at night from space
International Space Station 3 astronauts settle into their new life in orbit | On the International Space Station this week Dec. 1-5, 2025
a white rocket with black stripes lifts off its launch pad under an overcast sky
Launches & Spacecraft SpaceX launches Starlink satellites on record 32nd flight of Falcon 9 rocket (video)
a white and black rocket lifts off into the dusk sky adding the warm glow surrounding it ocean-side launch pad
Launches & Spacecraft SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Florida on worldwide 300th orbital flight of 2025 (video)
people in blue jackets lean into the opening of a charred cone-shaped spacecraft lying on its side on the rocky floor of a desert
Launches & Spacecraft China to return damaged spacecraft to Earth after sending up replacement for stuck astronauts
An illustration of the International Space Station with labels for the many spacecraft filling its 8 docking ports, including the Cygnus spacecraft, the Progress, and two Soyuz spacecraft
International Space Station For the 1st time ever, 8 spacecraft are docked to the International Space Station
a triple-core rocket blasts off under a sunny, partly cloudy blue sky. smoke expands below next to an obscured launch tower, near a long white hanger with SPACEX written on the side. To the left, a bird flies away.
Launches & Spacecraft Rocket launch today: Is there a rocket launch and what time?
Cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky shared this photo of the International Space Station on Twitter on Sept. 29, 2021. He and two colleagues were relocating a Russian Soyuz spacecraft from one port to another at the time.
International Space Station International Space Station: Live updates
a white and black rocket launches into a dusk sky, leaving behind a puffy plume
Launches & Spacecraft SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 29 Starlink satellites from Florida (video)
a white rocket with four small boosters at its base lifts off above a plume of fire beside a blue launch tower
Launches & Spacecraft Chinese astronauts 'stuck' on space station to get a new spacecraft after debris strike leaves them without a ride home
a black and white rocket lifts off above a cone of fire and smoke next two a black water tower
Launches & Spacecraft Rocket Lab launches hypersonic test flight for US military (photo)
NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission crew teaser with four astronauts in spacesuits.
Artemis NASA's Artemis Program: Live updates
a docked spacecraft and space station modules are set against a starfield and the Aurora Australis (southern lights) above the horizon of Earth
International Space Station Astronauts welcome arrival of new crewmates | On the ISS this week Nov. 24-28, 2025
Artist's illustration of SpaceX's Starship vehicle on the moon during an Artemis astronaut mission for NASA.
Artemis SpaceX looking into 'simplified' Starship Artemis 3 mission to get astronauts to the moon faster
A metal spacecraft with two solar panels on either side is seen in low-Earth orbit
International Space Station Cygnus XL brings cargo to the ISS for 1st time | Space photo of the day for Dec. 1, 2025
Trending
  • Amazing 'Cold Supermoon' photos
  • Comet 3I/Atlas: 4 things to know
  • Night sky tonight!
  • Best Telescopes
  • Aurora Forecast
  • Space Calendar
  • Live 4K Sen video from space!
  • Next Full Moon
  • Best Drones
  • Solar System Planets
  • Best Binoculars
  • Lego Star Wars deals
  • Best Star Projectors
  1. Space Exploration
  2. Human Spaceflight

In photos: SpaceX's historic Demo-2 test flight with astronauts

News
By Space.com Staff published 30 May 2020

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

SpaceX and NASA made history on May 30, 2020, with the first launch of astronauts launch to orbit from U.S. soil in nearly a decade. The mission, called Demo-2, is the first crewed test flight of SpaceX's new Crew Dragon capsule and the first time astronauts have flown to orbit on a commercial spacecraft.

Riding inside the Crew Dragon, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. EDT (1922 GMT) and began a 19-hour flight to the International Space Station. See photos of the Demo-2 mission in this Space.com gallery.

Full story: Liftoff! SpaceX launches 1st astronauts for NASA on historic test flight

Page 1 of 120
Page 1 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, walk through the Crew Access Arm connecting the launch tower to the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft during a dress rehearsal at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020. 

Related: SpaceX video shows off Crew Dragon access arm for astronauts

Page 2 of 120
Page 2 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule sits ready for launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket on Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Page 3 of 120
Page 3 of 120

Liftoff! The Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 30, 2020, at 3:22 p.m. EDT (1922 GMT).

Page 4 of 120
Page 4 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 30, 2020.

Page 5 of 120
Page 5 of 120

President Donald Trump (right), Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence watch the Demo-2 launch from the balcony of Operations Support Building II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 30, 2020.

Page 6 of 120
Page 6 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule soar toward space with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board, shortly after lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 30, 2020. 

Page 7 of 120
Page 7 of 120

On the left, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley inside the Demo-2 SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule; on the right, the first-stage Falcon 9 booster headed back to Earth, about five minutes after launch on May 30, 2020.

Page 8 of 120
Page 8 of 120

While keeping an eye on Cape Canaveral from the International Space Station, Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner captured this photo of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft emerging from Earth's upper atmosphere after launching to orbit on May 30, 2020. 

Page 9 of 120
Page 9 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule soar toward space with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board, shortly after lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 30, 2020.

Page 10 of 120
Page 10 of 120

A view of spacecraft separation for the Demo-2 mission on May 30, 2020.

Page 11 of 120
Page 11 of 120

The Demo-2 SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster during its reentry burn after launch on May 30, 2020.

Page 12 of 120
Page 12 of 120

After launching the Demo-2 mission on May 30, 2020, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket booster landed on the company's drone ship, called "Of Course I Still Love You," which was stationed off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Page 13 of 120
Page 13 of 120

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken celebrates the landing of the Falcon 9 booster from the Demo-2 mission on May 30, 2020.

Page 14 of 120
Page 14 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft on board stands ready for launch at Launch Complex 39A on May 30, 2020, the day of the second launch attempt. 

Page 15 of 120
Page 15 of 120

NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy captured these images of Florida's Kennedy Space Center from the International Space Station on May 30, 2020, just two minutes before SpaceX launched the Demo-2 mission.

Page 16 of 120
Page 16 of 120

NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy captured this image of Florida's Kennedy Space Center from the International Space Station on May 30, 2020, just two minutes before SpaceX launched the Demo-2 mission.

Page 17 of 120
Page 17 of 120

Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner captured this photo of Cape Canaveral, Florida from the International Space Station approximately 2 minutes before SpaceX launched the Demo-2 mission from there on May 30, 2020. 

Page 18 of 120
Page 18 of 120

An enormous storm cloud rolls in over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the countdown to the first launch attempt on May 27, 2020, in this view from the Launch Control Center. The bad weather forced SpaceX and NASA to postpone the launch, with the next available launch window opening on Saturday (May 30). Another backup launch opportunity will be available on Sunday (May 31). 

Full story: SpaceX delays 1st astronaut launch for NASA due to bad weather

Page 19 of 120
Page 19 of 120

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine watches as NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken return to the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building from Launch Complex 39A after the launch was scrubbed due to weather, on May 27, 2020.

Page 20 of 120
Page 20 of 120

Lightning illuminates the night sky behind the water tower at Launch Complex 39A on May 29, 2020, as SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon stand ready for a second launch attempt, scheduling for the following day. 

Page 21 of 120
Page 21 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is pictured on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A, on May 28, 2020. 

Page 22 of 120
Page 22 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley seen in his spacesuit before a Demo-2 launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 23 of 120
Page 23 of 120

NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks with astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken before a launch attempt for the Demo-2 mission on May 30, 2020.

Page 24 of 120
Page 24 of 120

NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine takes a selfie with Crew Dragon co-commanders Doug Hurley (right) and Bob Behnken, and NASA deputy administrator Jim Morhard, on the morning of the second launch attempt of the Demo-2 mission, on May 30, 2020. 

Page 25 of 120
Page 25 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley leave the Operations and Check-out building before a launch attempt for Demo-2 on May 30, 2020.

Page 26 of 120
Page 26 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A once more, to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft ahead of their second launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 27 of 120
Page 27 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley waves as he and Bob Behnken depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for a second time, on May 30, 2020.

Page 28 of 120
Page 28 of 120

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken gives a thumbs up as he and his Crew Dragon co-commander Doug Hurley leave the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A on May 30, 2020.

Page 29 of 120
Page 29 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley bid farewell to their families before a Demo-2 launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 30 of 120
Page 30 of 120

Demo-2 astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley in the car to head to the launch pad saying goodbye to their families on May 30, 2020.

Page 31 of 120
Page 31 of 120

Demo-2 astronaut Doug Hurley says goodbye to his family from inside the Tesla that transported him and his crewmate Bob Behnken to the launch pad, on May 30, 2020.

Page 32 of 120
Page 32 of 120

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken waves from the car to the launch pad for a Demo-2 launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 33 of 120
Page 33 of 120

Two cars carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley pull up to the Demo-2 rocket and capsule for a launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 34 of 120
Page 34 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken arrive at Launch Complex 39A on May 30, 2020.

Page 35 of 120
Page 35 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley arrive at the launch pad for a Demo-2 flight attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 36 of 120
Page 36 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley peer to the top of the Falcon 9 rocket, where the Demo-2 capsule is perched for a launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 37 of 120
Page 37 of 120

Admiring the view from Kennedy Space Center before a Demo-2 launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 38 of 120
Page 38 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley gives a thumbs up as he and his Demo-2 crewmate Bob Behnken sit inside the capsule ahead of their second launch attempt on May 30, 2020.

Page 39 of 120
Page 39 of 120

The clearing weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center continues to support a launch attempt 18 minutes before flight on May 30, 2020.

Page 40 of 120
Page 40 of 120

The Demo-2 SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule seen as the launch attempt on May 30, 2020, approaches.

Page 41 of 120
Page 41 of 120

This schematic shows the launch profile for SpaceX's Demo-2 mission, which will launch to the International Space Station on May 27, 2020. The mission is scheduled to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket at 4:33 p.m. EDT (2033 GMT).

Page 42 of 120
Page 42 of 120

A schematic of the mission profile for the Demo-2 flight.

Page 43 of 120
Page 43 of 120

This flight plan shows the return trajectory for SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft after it departs the International Space Station and returns to Earth.

Related: How long will the 1st astronauts to ride SpaceX's Crew Dragon be in space? No one knows exactly (yet).

Page 44 of 120
Page 44 of 120

As lights on the launch pad illuminate SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, distant thunderstorms light up the night sky behind Launch Complex 39A, on May 29, 2020.

Page 45 of 120
Page 45 of 120

A thick blanket of clouds looms over Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the morning of the first launch attempt of the Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station, on May 27, 2020. 

Page 46 of 120
Page 46 of 120

SpaceX's Demo-2 Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 rocket stand atop Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center at dawn on May 27, 2020 for its first launch attempt, which was delayed by weather.

Page 47 of 120
Page 47 of 120

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken is seen on the fixed service structure of Launch Complex 39A before boarding SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of the Falcon 9 rocket on May 27, 2020, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Page 48 of 120
Page 48 of 120

The crew access arm swings away from the Demo-2 SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on May 27, 2020.

Page 49 of 120
Page 49 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley rehearses putting on his SpaceX spacesuit in the Astronaut Crew Quarters inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 23, 2020, during a full dress rehearsal ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station. 

Page 50 of 120
Page 50 of 120

In this view of the monitors in firing room four of the Launch Control Center, NASA astronaut Doug Hurley is pictured waving for the camera while suiting up for the first launch attempt at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on May 27, 2020.

Page 51 of 120
Page 51 of 120

SpaceX founder and chief engineer Elon Musk (left), NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence applaud as NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, on May 27, 2020, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Page 52 of 120
Page 52 of 120

Vice President Mike Pence talks with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (left) and SpaceX founder Elon Musk as they wait to see NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, on May 27, 2020. 

Page 53 of 120
Page 53 of 120

President Donald Trump waits to deliver a speech on the launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission on May  27, 2020, before officials called off the launch attempt due to inclement weather. 

Page 54 of 120
Page 54 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, prepare to board a Tesla and depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A, where they boarded the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for the first launch attempt of the Demo-2 mission on May 27, 2020. 

Page 55 of 120
Page 55 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building and head to Launch Complex 39A in their fancy Tesla vehicles during a dress rehearsal prior to the Demo-2 mission launch, on May 23, 2020, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Related: Astronauts to ride NASA-adorned Tesla Model X to SpaceX launchpad

Page 56 of 120
Page 56 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken pose with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 27, 2020. 

Page 57 of 120
Page 57 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (right) and Bob Behnken walk through the crew access arm on Launch Complex 39A to board their Crew Dragon spacecraft for the first launch attempt on May 27, 2020.  

Page 58 of 120
Page 58 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley arrive at the launch site on May  27, 2020. 

Page 59 of 120
Page 59 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley makes a phone call from  Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before the first launch attempt on May 27, 2020. 

Page 60 of 120
Page 60 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley uses a black sharpie to sign SpaceX's White Room, a new tradition, before boarding the Crew Dragon fort the Demo-2 test flight on May 27, 2020. Crew mate Bob Behnken signed is own name a moment later.

Page 61 of 120
Page 61 of 120

NASA astronaut Doug Hurley climbs into the Demo-2 SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule as colleague Bob Behnken looks on before launch on May 27, 2020.

Page 62 of 120
Page 62 of 120

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken enters the Demo-2 SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on May 27, 2020.

Page 63 of 120
Page 63 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (front) and Bob Behnken sit inside SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule while preparing for the first launch attempt of the Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station on May 27, 2020.

Page 64 of 120
Page 64 of 120

A small stuffed animal will hitch a ride to the International Space Station on the Demo-2 mission. The toy is seen here strapped in next to NASA astronaut Bob Behnken in the Crew Dragon spacecraft, on May 27, 2020.

Page 65 of 120
Page 65 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is mounted to the top of the Falcon 9 rocket inside the hanger at Kennedy Space Center's historic Launch Complex 39A on May 20, 2020. 

Related: SpaceX Crew Dragon reaches launch pad for historic NASA astronaut launch

Page 66 of 120
Page 66 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are pictured in the hanger at Launch Complex 39A on May 20, 2020. 

Related: SpaceX Crew Dragon reaches launch pad for historic NASA astronaut launch

Page 67 of 120
Page 67 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is pictured in the hanger at Launch Complex 39A on May 20, 2020. 

Related: SpaceX Crew Dragon reaches launch pad for historic NASA astronaut launch

Page 68 of 120
Page 68 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are pictured in the hanger at Launch Complex 39A, where they were mated, on May 20, 2020. 

Page 69 of 120
Page 69 of 120

Demo-2 astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley pose for a photo after speaking to members of the media at the Launch and Landing Facility runway on May 20, 2020, following the crew's arrival to the Florida spaceport. 

Full story: NASA astronauts arrive at launch site for historic SpaceX test flight

Page 70 of 120
Page 70 of 120

NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley exits the Gulfstream jet that carried him from Houston, Texas, to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 20, 2020. 

Full story: NASA astronauts arrive at launch site for historic SpaceX test flight

Page 71 of 120
Page 71 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (far left) and Douglas Hurley speak with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (far right) and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana at the Launch and Landing Facility runway following their arrival on May 20, 2020.  

Page 72 of 120
Page 72 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, topped with the Crew Dragon spacecraft, stands poised for launch at historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 21, 2020.

Page 73 of 120
Page 73 of 120

SpaceX'S Falcon 9 rocket, topped with the Crew Dragon spacecraft, stands poised for launch at historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 21, 2020. 

Page 74 of 120
Page 74 of 120

NASA and SpaceX managers participate in a flight readiness review for the upcoming Demo-2 launch inside Operations Support Building II at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 21, 2020. 

Related: NASA review of Space's 1st launch to carry astronauts goes into overtime

Page 75 of 120
Page 75 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Crew Dragon spacecraft on board rolls out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 76 of 120
Page 76 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Crew Dragon spacecraft on board rolls out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 77 of 120
Page 77 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, mounted on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, rolls out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 78 of 120
Page 78 of 120

The Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are pictured at the launch pad of Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020, shortly before the rocket was raised into a vertical position on the pad. 

Page 79 of 120
Page 79 of 120

The Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are pictured at the launch pad of Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020, shortly before the rocket was raised into a vertical position on the pad. 

Page 80 of 120
Page 80 of 120

The Falcon 9 rocket, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft on top, is raised into a vertical position on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 81 of 120
Page 81 of 120

The Falcon 9 rocket, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft on top, is raised into a vertical position on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 82 of 120
Page 82 of 120

A closeup view of the Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of the Falcon 9 rocket, after it was raised into a vertical position on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 83 of 120
Page 83 of 120

The Falcon 9 rocket, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft on top, is raised into a vertical position on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A on May 21, 2020. 

Page 84 of 120
Page 84 of 120

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the first Crew Dragon spacecraft to carry astronauts is raised atop its launch pad at Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center on May 21, 2020. 

Page 85 of 120
Page 85 of 120

This black-and-white infrared image shows SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft on board at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A on May 22, 2020, during a static fire test ahead of the Demo-2 mission.

Full story: SpaceX test-fires rocket for epic astronaut launch for NASA

Page 86 of 120
Page 86 of 120

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will launch the Crew Dragon spacecraft, with NASA astronauts aboard, on the company's second demonstration flight and first crewed flight to the International Space Station.

Full story: NASA's famous 'worm' logo crawls back into action on SpaceX rocket

Page 87 of 120
Page 87 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken, who will fly to the International Space Station on SpaceX’s Demo-2 mission, stand near Launch Pad 39A at the NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020. 

Page 88 of 120
Page 88 of 120

Donning their SpaceX spacesuits, NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken wave after walking out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020, during a dress rehearsal ahead of the SpaceX uncrewed In-Flight Abort Test. 

Page 89 of 120
Page 89 of 120

SpaceX's Tesla Model X astronaut transfer vehicle is emblazoned with both NASA's insignia and its retro logotype.

Full story: Astronauts to ride NASA-adorned Tesla Model X to SpaceX launchpad

Page 90 of 120
Page 90 of 120

SpaceX's Tesla Model X astronaut transfer vehicle features NASA's resurrected, retro logotype, the red "worm," across its rear window. 

Full story: Astronauts to ride NASA-adorned Tesla Model X to SpaceX launchpad

Page 91 of 120
Page 91 of 120

SpaceX's Tesla Model X astronaut transfer vehicle features NASA's red, white and blue insignia, dubbed the "meatball," on its front doors. 

Full story: Astronauts to ride NASA-adorned Tesla Model X to SpaceX launchpad

Page 92 of 120
Page 92 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley give a thumbs up after arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center ahead of SpaceX's Demo-2 mission, on May 20, 2020.

Page 93 of 120
Page 93 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken return to the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building from Launch Complex 39A after completing a dress rehearsal for the Demo-2 mission, on May 23, 2020. 

Page 94 of 120
Page 94 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley speak to members of the media after arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on May 20, 2020.

Page 95 of 120
Page 95 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken familiarize themselves with the controls of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. 

Related: Two NASA astronauts are ready to try something completely new: Ride a SpaceX spaceship

Page 96 of 120
Page 96 of 120

A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft arrives at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, transported from the company’s processing facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Friday, May 15, 2020, in preparation for the Demo-2 flight test. 

Page 97 of 120
Page 97 of 120

The Crew Dragon's trunk was secured to the spacecraft on April 30, 2020, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, in preparation for the Demo-2 launch with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.

Related: SpaceX's Crew Dragon space capsule explained (infographic)

Page 98 of 120
Page 98 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft arrived at the launch site in Florida on Feb. 13, 2020, where it underwent final testing and prelaunch processing in a SpaceX facility on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. 

Page 99 of 120
Page 99 of 120

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft arrived at the launch site in Florida on Feb. 13, 2020, where it underwent final testing and prelaunch processing in a SpaceX facility on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. 

Page 100 of 120
Page 100 of 120

The Crew Dragon spacecraft undergoes final processing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, in preparation for the Demo-2 launch.

Page 101 of 120
Page 101 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken familiarize themselves with the controls of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. 

Related: Two NASA astronauts are ready to try something completely new: Ride a SpaceX spaceship

Page 102 of 120
Page 102 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken familiarize themselves with the controls of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. 

Related: Two NASA astronauts are ready to try something completely new: Ride a SpaceX spaceship

Page 103 of 120
Page 103 of 120

On March 30, 2020, SpaceX completed a fully integrated test of critical crew flight hardware ahead of the Demo-2 mission. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley participated in the test, which included flight suit leak checks, spacecraft inspections and more.

Page 104 of 120
Page 104 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Bob Behnken work with teams from NASA and SpaceX to rehearse crew extraction from the Crew Dragon on Aug. 13, 2019, at the Trident Basin in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Using SpaceX's Go Searcher ship, the teams worked through the steps necessary to get NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken out of the Dragon and back to dry land.

Page 105 of 120
Page 105 of 120

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, foreground, and Bob Behnken don SpaceX spacesuits in the Astronaut Crew Quarters at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020, during a dress rehearsal ahead of the company’s uncrewed In-Flight Abort Test.

Related: SpaceX's amazing Crew Dragon in-flight abort test launch in photos

Page 106 of 120
Page 106 of 120

On March 19-20, SpaceX teams in Firing Room 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the company's Mission Control in Hawthorne, California, along with NASA flight controllers in Mission Control Houston, executed a full simulation of launch and docking of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley (front) participating in SpaceX's flight simulator. 

Page 107 of 120
Page 107 of 120

On March 19-20, SpaceX teams in Firing Room 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the company's Mission Control in Hawthorne, California, along with NASA flight controllers in Mission Control Houston, executed a full simulation of launch and docking of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley participating in SpaceX's flight simulator.

Page 108 of 120
Page 108 of 120

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley shake hands after suiting up in SpaceX spacesuits in the Astronaut Crew Quarters at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020, during a dress rehearsal ahead of the company’s uncrewed In-Flight Abort Test. 

Page 109 of 120
Page 109 of 120

SpaceX chief engineer Elon Musk and NASA astronaut Bob Behnken look on as NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to NASA astronaut Doug Hurley. The group is looking at at an identical version of the SpaceX spacesuit that the astronauts will wear for the Demo-2 mission.

Page 110 of 120
Page 110 of 120

A closeup view of the sleeve of Bob Behnken's spacesuit.

Page 111 of 120
Page 111 of 120

A closeup view of the sleeve of Doug Hurley's spacesuit.

Page 112 of 120
Page 112 of 120

Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken used a Demo-2 mission decal like the one pictured here to "tag" SpaceX's simulator in Houston, as a tradition symbolizing they had completed their training. 

Related: From trees to tags, NASA astronauts start traditions before first SpaceX launch

Page 113 of 120
Page 113 of 120

NASA's Demo-2 (DM-2) mission patch is shaped like the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken will fly aboard.

Full story: Astronauts debut mission patch for SpaceX Dragon crewed flight test

Page 114 of 120
Page 114 of 120

One of the SpaceX suits that will be used for the Demo-2 launch is pictured on display at SpaceX Headquarters in Hawthorne, California, on Oct. 10, 2019.

Related: Astronauts debut mission patch for SpaceX Dragon crewed flight test

Page 115 of 120
Page 115 of 120

The sun rises behind SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft at Launch Complex 39A on the morning of the first launch attempt on May 27, 2020. 

Page 116 of 120
Page 116 of 120

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A at sunrise during launch preparations on May 27, 2020, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Page 117 of 120
Page 117 of 120

A gopher tortoise crawls across the grass at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, while SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are visible in the background. 

Page 118 of 120
Page 118 of 120

Tristan Eaton's "Human Kind" artwork, seen beside SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is launching on SpaceX's first crewed mission to the International Space Station.

Full story: Tristan Eaton's 'Human Kind' art flying on SpaceX astronaut launch

Page 119 of 120
Page 119 of 120

Tristan Eaton created his space-bound "Human Kind" art series to be indestructible using gold, brass and aluminum.

Full story: Tristan Eaton's 'Human Kind' art flying on SpaceX astronaut launch

Page 120 of 120
Page 120 of 120
Space.com Staff
Space.com Staff
Social Links Navigation
News and editorial team

Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor. 


Read more
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Bandwagon-4 rideshare mission from Florida on Nov. 2, 2025.
SpaceX launches private space station pathfinder 'Haven Demo,' 17 other satellites to orbit (video)
 
 
A rocket blazes up into a night time sky with glowing orange clouds of smoke illuminated by the tail of the rocket in the night
SpaceX's fiery Falcon 9 comes in for a landing | Space photo of the day for Nov. 7, 2025
 
 
A white pointed rocket module sits on top of a white cylinder, both having the red worm NASA logo and the blue and red meatball NASA logo. The entire system sits in a large warehouse
NASA’s Artemis 2 moon rocket comes together | Space photo of the day for Nov. 21, 2025
 
 
A large metal cylinder covered with black plastic is stood between blue scaffolding.
NASA's IMAP spacecraft getting packed up for launch | Space photo of the day for Sept. 24, 2025
 
 
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Sentinel-6B ocean-monitoring satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Nov. 17, 2025.
SpaceX launches used rocket for 500th time, sends Sentinel-6B ocean-mapping satellite to orbit (video)
 
 
NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission crew teaser with four astronauts in spacesuits.
NASA's Artemis Program: Live updates
 
 
Latest in Human Spaceflight
A Shenzhou 21 astronaut conducts a spacewalk outside China's Tiangong space station on Dec. 9, 2025.
Chinese astronauts inspect damaged Shenzhou 20 spacecraft during 8-hour spacewalk (video)
 
 
A pink silicon menstrual cup sits on a rubbery brown surface with a rainbow prism of light moving across it
Scientists sent a menstrual cup to space. This is how it went
 
 
Michaela Benthaus has taken numerous parabolic flights carrying out unique accessibility experiments.
Blue Origin's next space tourism flight will break new ground for people with disabilities
 
 
Two men stand next to a podium wearing blue space suits
1st European to fly to the moon will be German
 
 
A Russian Soyuz roket launches into space with four photographers tracking it in the foreground.
US-Russian Soyuz crew launches to the International Space Station on Thanksgiving Day
 
 
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) speaks during a news conference on the “Epstein Files" outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Trump administration targets former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly over 'illegal orders' video
 
 
Latest in News
An illustration showing the accretion disc surrounding a black hole, in which the inner region of the disc wobbles.
Einstein's right again! Scientists catch a feasting black hole dragging the very fabric of spacetime
 
 
the blue waters and white clouds stretch to out to Earth's horizon, set against the blackness of space; in the foreground, a space capsule extends out from a space station
Astronaut sees gorgeous 'skies of blue and clouds of white' | On the International Space Station this week Dec. 8-12, 2025
 
 
A golden astronaut trophy in front of a dark background with the words "Global Space Awards 2025" next to it on the right side in white
Global Space Award winners 2025: Playmakers, innovators, and science breakthroughs
 
 
A dendritic shaped dark spot is seen against an icy surface
A spider-like scar haunts Jupiter's moon Europa — and scientists think they know why
 
 
graphic depicting time of the geminid meteor shower. It is a while clock vector with a question mark in the center and the background of the image is a nice meteor shower scene showing dozens of shooting stars streaking through a starry sky.
When is the best time to watch the Geminid meteor shower this weekend?
 
 
A person stands with arms outstretched behind a bright orange tent looking up at the night sky full of streaks with meteors with a large flashlight beam pointed up.
Geminid meteor shower forecast: Will skies be clear across the US on Dec. 13–14?
 
 
MORE FROM SPACE...
  1. A golden astronaut trophy in front of a dark background with the words "Global Space Awards 2025" next to it on the right side in white
    1
    Global Space Award winners 2025: Playmakers, innovators, and science breakthroughs
  2. 2
    Einstein's right again! Scientists catch a feasting black hole dragging the very fabric of spacetime
  3. 3
    'Exodus' is a spiritual successor to 'Mass Effect' with a hard sci-fi edge. We spoke to the devs about time-dilation, human evolution, and honoring hard sci-fi (exclusive)
  4. 4
    When is the best time to watch the Geminid meteor shower this weekend?
  5. 5
    Supergirl's rockin' 1st trailer shows intergalactic bar fights, hangovers, and Krypto peeing on Superman's face (video)

Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...