SpaceX recovers intact Starship spacecraft near Christmas Island

SpaceX has successfully recovered a significant portion of its Starship spacecraft after it survived a controlled ocean splashdown during its 13th flight test. Unlike previous attempts where the vehicle exploded upon impact, the Ship 40 vessel remained largely intact after re-entering the atmosphere and landing in the Indian Ocean.

After floating for 24 days due to challenging maritime conditions, the 52-meter structure was eventually towed to calmer waters near Christmas Island, Australia. The intact spacecraft has become a local curiosity, attracting tourists and inspiring local businesses, including a themed cocktail named ‘Rocket Fuel’ at a local inn.

SpaceX engineers have established a security perimeter around the vessel to conduct inspections. The recovery is considered highly valuable for the company, as the physical hardware provides critical data on how the ship survived atmospheric re-entry and landing maneuvers.