SpaceX Retrieves Intact Starship Upper Stage in Ocean First

SpaceX has recovered the intact upper stage of a Starship spacecraft near Christmas Island, Australia — the first retrieval of an orbital-class upper stage from open water. The 52-metre Ship 40 splashed down July 24, 2026, after Flight 13 and spent roughly 24 days at sea. Engineers will inspect it for material degradation, advancing the program's full-reusability goal.