SpaceX launch: How to watch the SpaceX Crew Dragon live stream again

On its return, Crew Dragon is to land in the Atlantic Ocean, where it will be collected. 

Ripley – apparently named for the titular star of 1979 horror film ‘Alien’ – is responsible for testing the effects of the capsule on any future onboard passengers. 

Ripley is fitted with a custom SpaceX flight suit and a host of sensors to detect the impact on the inside of the pod. 

Hans Koenigsmann, Vice President of  Mission Assurance at SpaceX said Ripley was vital for future manned flights.

He said: “That is something we have to practise in preparation for crewed flight to make sure we’re fast in the right spots, and have all the potential medical attention at the right time.”