SpaceX Starship Makes First Intact Ocean Landing

For the first time ever, SpaceX landed its massive Starship rocket mostly intact in the ocean, tipping over gently in the water instead of exploding on impact.

The 13th test flight launched July 24 from Texas and ended with the ship touching down under engine power in the Indian Ocean. Onboard cameras kept streaming as the spacecraft bobbed in the water, with most of its protective heat shield tiles still attached.

"Lucky number 13. Hell of a flight for Starship," said SpaceX's Dan Huot during the live broadcast. "Really great day for Version 3."

During its journey through space, Starship deployed 20 next-generation Starlink satellites and successfully relit an engine in orbit. SpaceX made contact with all 20 satellites before they reentered the atmosphere as planned.

The spacecraft's Super Heavy booster had a rougher landing in the Gulf of Mexico after only eight of its 13 engines ignited for touchdown. The launch came just a week after SpaceX replaced six engines following an earlier abort caused by turbopump issues.

Why This Inspires

This successful test brings SpaceX closer to a future where massive rockets can be completely reused, making space travel more affordable and accessible. Once operational, each Starship launch will carry 60 of the new Starlink satellites, more than double what current rockets can deliver.

The spacecraft will soon make its way to Florida's Kennedy Space Center, possibly by year's end. NASA is counting on Starship to carry astronauts to the moon's surface as part of the Artemis program, with the first crewed lunar landing potentially happening during Artemis IV.

Before astronauts land on the moon, NASA plans a 2027 test where Starship will dock with the Orion spacecraft in Earth orbit. Crew members will evaluate the docking system but won't enter Starship during this demonstration mission.

The real game changer? SpaceX eventually plans to land and reuse both the booster and the spacecraft, turning what was once disposable technology into reusable transportation.