SpaceX Recovers Starship Prototype After Unexpectedly Long Survival at Sea

By Stephen Clark · Ars Technica · 2026-08-18

SpaceX successfully towed its heavy-lift spacecraft to Christmas Island after the vehicle remained afloat for twenty-four days following its splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Ars Technica reports that although the craft suffered damage from salt water and a post-landing tip-over, r

SpaceX successfully towed its heavy-lift spacecraft to Christmas Island after the vehicle remained afloat for twenty-four days following its splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Ars Technica reports that although the craft suffered damage from salt water and a post-landing tip-over, r