How the Space X Dragon spacecraft returns
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International Space Station (ISS)

1 Dragon detaches from ISS

2 Trunk jettisoned (burns up in Earth’s atmosphere)

Trunk
Carried unpressurised cargo to ISS

3 Fires thrusters for 15-minute de-orbit burn

4 Endures temperature of 1,600°C on re-entry

5 At 1,800 metres, deploys four parachutes that suspend capsule at angle to lessen splashdown impact

Dragon spacecraft

Parachute hatch

Nose cone
Conceals docking hatch to ISS

Crew hatch

Manoeuvring thrusters Control orbit adjustment and altitude

SuperDraco rockets Used during re-entry and if capsule needs to be jettisoned during launch abort
Splashdown 
Off Florida coast
Heat shield
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Sources: Space X, NASA, Science Focus, Digital Trends
Picture: Earth 3D © GRAPHIC NEWS