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
The Crew-11 astronauts return to Ellington Field in Houston on Jan. 16, 2026. From left to right: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
Human Spaceflight Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston after 1st-ever medical evacuation from ISS
a rocket stands upright in a hangar
Missions Artemis 2 rocket rollout latest news: Giant NASA moon rocket arrives at launch pad
A view of the Florida coastline from space, with the dark green land outlined by a thin white strip of beach before a blue ocean. An inset to the right in a white box shows a red arrow pointing to a white space amidst a green circled off area.
Human Spaceflight ISS astronaut spots Artemis 2 moon rocket on the launch pad from space (photo)
Found individuals wearing pale blue shirts sit behind a long table with a black cloth over it and the blue NASA circle logo with blue screens behind them.
Human Spaceflight 'We can handle any kind of difficult situation': Crew-11 astronauts say 1st medical evacuation from ISS had a silver lining
A silhouette of a rocket surrounded by scaffolding is seen in a dim yellow sunset
Human Spaceflight NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad. What's next?
An orange rocket held up by scaffolding sits behind large green bushes under a blue sky.
Artemis NASA rolls Artemis 2 moon rocket to launch pad | Space photo of the day for Jan. 19, 2025
The Crew-11 astronauts return to Ellington Field in Houston on Jan. 16, 2026. From left to right: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
Human Spaceflight NASA's Crew-11 astronauts to discuss medical evacuation from International Space Station today: Watch it live
Artist's illustration of Artemis 2 mission including the Orion spacecraft with Earth in background
Artemis NASA's Artemis 2 mission: Everything you need to know
A giant rocket rolls out to toward the launch pad and is reflected in a lagoon for artemis 2
Artemis NASA rolls Artemis 2 rocket to the pad ahead of historic moon launch
A giant rocket rolls out to toward the launch pad and is reflected in a lagoon for artemis 2
Artemis Watch NASA roll huge Artemis 2 moon rocket out to the launch pad today
Four people in orange spacesuits stand on a road
Artemis NASA hopes to launch Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon next month, but it's going to be tight: 'This is not a rush'
a large barge approaches a white cone-shaped capsule in the ocean
International Space Station ISS astronaut medical evacuation latest news: Crew-11 astronauts safely back on Earth
a tall silver rocket upright in a hangar
Launches & Spacecraft SpaceX stacks Super Heavy booster ahead of Starship megarocket's 12th test flight
Four people in orange space suits stand on a road in front of a large van and look at a crowd off camera
Artemis 2026 is the year humanity will finally go back to the moon
a large barge approaches a white cone-shaped capsule in the ocean
International Space Station SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts return to Earth after 1st-ever medical evacuation of ISS
Trending
  • Aurora Forecast
  • Night sky tonight!
  • Best Telescopes
  • Space Calendar
  • Next Full Moon
  • Live 4K Sen video from space!
  • Best Drones
  • Best Binoculars
  • Lego Star Wars deals
  • Solar System Planets
  • 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 large barge approaches a white cone-shaped capsule in the ocean
ISS astronaut medical evacuation latest news: Crew-11 astronauts safely back on Earth
 
 
The four astronauts set to fly around the moon during NASA’s Artemis 2 test flight depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, during a dress rehearsal for launch day on Dec. 20, 2025. From left are Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch.
Artemis 2 moon astronauts rehearse for launch day (photos)
 
 
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 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.
Rocket launch today: Is there a rocket launch and what time?
 
 
the full moon hangs in frame with the orion, inside its payload shell atop the SLS rocket.
NASA may be 1 month away from historic Artemis 2 astronaut launch around the moon
 
 
Latest in Human Spaceflight
A silhouette of a rocket surrounded by scaffolding is seen in a dim yellow sunset
NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad. What's next?
 
 
Found individuals wearing pale blue shirts sit behind a long table with a black cloth over it and the blue NASA circle logo with blue screens behind them.
'We can handle any kind of difficult situation': Crew-11 astronauts say 1st medical evacuation from ISS had a silver lining
 
 
A view of the Florida coastline from space, with the dark green land outlined by a thin white strip of beach before a blue ocean. An inset to the right in a white box shows a red arrow pointing to a white space amidst a green circled off area.
ISS astronaut spots Artemis 2 moon rocket on the launch pad from space (photo)
 
 
a woman talks into a radio handset while her hair floats in zero gravity around her
Record-setting astronaut Suni Williams retires from NASA after 27 years
 
 
A team of people examine a metal spacecraft in the middle of a sandy area with Chinese flags waving nearby
Chinese capsule damaged by space-junk strike returns to Earth (video)
 
 
The Crew-11 astronauts return to Ellington Field in Houston on Jan. 16, 2026. From left to right: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
NASA's Crew-11 astronauts to discuss medical evacuation from International Space Station today: Watch it live
 
 
Latest in News
A series of full moons are pictured rising in a line above the Paris skyline. The Eiffel Tower dominates the center of the image, while a large domed church is visible on the skyline.
January's full Wolf Moon leaps past the Eiffel Tower in stunning photo of Paris skyline
 
 
Two images side by side, one of a woman with curly gray hair on the left and on the right the cover of a book titled "Platform Decay"
Martha Wells' next 'Murderbot Diaries' book is 'the family roadtrip from hell on Ringworld' (interview)
 
 
Illustration shows a disk of planetary debris and its shroud of gas and dust passing in front of a star
A mystery object is holding this 120 million-mile-wide cloud of vaporized metal together
 
 
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launches NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission on Nov. 13, 2025.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin will refly booster on next launch of powerful New Glenn rocket
 
 
a hooded skeleton-like villain in a sci-fi film
By the power of nostalgia! The live-action 'Masters of the Universe' trailer is finally here, and it actually looks good (video)
 
 
an astronaut in a spacesuit and helmet on Mars
'For All Mankind' Season 5 shows off Martian motorbiking in Apple TV's 1st teaser trailer (video)
 
 
MORE FROM SPACE...
  1. Two images side by side, one of a woman with curly gray hair on the left and on the right the cover of a book titled "Platform Decay"
    1
    Martha Wells' next 'Murderbot Diaries' book is 'the family roadtrip from hell on Ringworld' (interview)
  2. 2
    Which 'Star Trek' Captain am I?
  3. 3
    Can we use bees as a model of intelligent alien life to develop interstellar communication?
  4. 4
    January's full Wolf Moon leaps past the Eiffel Tower in stunning photo of Paris skyline
  5. 5
    Earthquake sensors can track space junk that crashes back to Earth

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...