A recent Crew Dragon splashdown demonstrated the unexpected intersection of space exploration and marine life, as a pod of dolphins approached the recovery boat. Kate Tice, a SpaceX engineering manager, joyfully noted their presence during a live commentary, describing the dolphins as honorary members of the recovery team. This event isn't an isolated occurrence; dolphins have shown interest in past splashdowns, suggesting a playful interaction with the return of astronauts from space. These sightings emphasize the local wildlife's curiosity and the natural charm of the recovery process in Florida's waters.
As the dolphins' dorsal fins bobbed, she said that the team working on retrieving the capsule was getting quick assists from the honorary part of the recovery team, those dolphins.
Dolphins are generally social and playful marine mammals and often travel in groups, or pods.
It's not the first time wildlife have visited astronauts just after they returned to Earth. In 2021, photographers captured a lone dolphin swimming near the recovery boats.
Wow, we got a cute little pod of dolphins, it wasn't just one or two.
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