Space Shuttle

In July 1985 the Space Shuttle Challenger suffered the failure of one of its three main engines during ascent, prompting the only abort-to-orbit declaration in shuttle history. The mission continued safely in a lower-than-planned orbit and completed its seven-day scientific flight, landing at Edwards Air Force Base. The episode is being recalled as a notable example of in-flight crisis handling during the shuttle programme.

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying astronauts has splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding its journey to and from space. The return marks another completed mission for SpaceX's crew transport program, which shuttles astronauts to and from the International Space Station for NASA. Recovery teams are reported to be retrieving the capsule and its crew after touchdown.