SpaceX Starship the talk of remote Australian island as Elon Musk’s engineers sent to retrieve it
SpaceX's Starship upper stage, Ship 40, has been recovered intact in the waters off Christmas Island, a remote Australian island, after a 24-day ocean ordeal. The recovery was unexpected, as Elon Musk had previously stated that the chances of ocean recovery were "not looking good." The Starship was towed into port, marking the first time a Starship upper stage has been recovered intact after returning from space.
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- ✓ On August 7, Elon Musk said Ship 40's ocean recovery was "not looking good."
- ✓ Ship 40 was towed intact to waters off Christmas Island on August 18.
- ✓ This is the first Starship upper stage ever recovered intact after returning from space.
- ✓ The Starship was at sea for 24 days before being recovered.
What changed
The Starship was successfully towed into port off Christmas Island on August 18, 2024 days after being spotted floating in the ocean.
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SpaceX Starship recovered intact off Christmas Island
SpaceX's Starship upper stage, Ship 40, has been recovered intact in the waters off Christmas Island, a remote Australian island, after a 24-day ocean ordeal. The recovery was unexpected, as Elon Musk had previously stated that the chances of ocean recovery were "not looking good." The Starship was towed into port, marking the first time a Starship upper stage has been recovered intact after returning from space.
Why it matters
The recovery of Ship 40 is significant for SpaceX's Starship program, as it demonstrates the possibility of recovering the upper stage of the spacecraft after it has returned from space. This could potentially pave the way for future reusability and cost savings. Christmas Island, where the recovery took place, is a remote Australian island in the Indian Ocean.
What is confirmed
- On August 7, Elon Musk said Ship 40's ocean recovery was "not looking good."
- Ship 40 was towed intact to waters off Christmas Island on August 18.
- This is the first Starship upper stage ever recovered intact after returning from space.
- The Starship was at sea for 24 days before being recovered.
What to watch next
- Further details on the condition of the recovered Starship
- SpaceX's plans for future Starship recoveries and reusability
- The impact of this recovery on the Starship program's development and timeline
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- Space Daily — On 7 August, Elon Musk said Ship 40's ocean recovery was “not looking good.” Eleven days later, on 18 August, it was towed intact to waters off Christmas Island — the first Starship upper stage ever recovered intact after returning from space.
- Ars Technica — Against all odds, SpaceX finally tugs Starship into port after 24 days at sea
- The Guardian — SpaceX Starship the talk of remote Australian island as Elon Musk’s engineers sent to retrieve it
- Space — Starship lives! SpaceX craft arrives at Christmas Island after 24-day ocean ordeal
- People.com — Christmas Island Resident Spots SpaceX Rocket Floating in the Ocean During Morning Commute: ‘Really Incredible’
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