A Learning Opportunity from Failure
For SpaceX, failure is part of innovation. When a Starship rocket ends up in pieces in the ocean, it’s not just debris—it’s a chance to improve.
After the latest Starship test flight, SpaceX teams headed to waters off the western coast of Australia to recover the remains of the spacecraft. The mission? To study the wreckage and uncover what went wrong during its imperfect journey.
Footage from Interstellar Gateway, a SpaceX-focused content creator, shows employees recovering pieces like heat shield tiles and various tanks.
Could the Entire Starship Be Recovered Next?
SpaceX’s recovery efforts may be leveling up. According to Interstellar Gateway, the next retrieval mission could aim to bring the entire Starship back intact.
“This was the first flight we’ve seen a vessel rigged specifically for towing,” they told Gizmodo. Observations at SpaceX’s port operations revealed a staging area prepared with cranes and materials needed to recover the spacecraft.
This approach could mark a significant shift in SpaceX’s strategy, potentially providing even more valuable data from future missions.
Explosive Test Flights
SpaceX’s fifth orbital flight test in October showcased engineering brilliance. The Super Heavy booster, Starship’s lower stage, successfully descended and was caught midair by mechanical arms at the launch tower—a feat of astonishing precision.
But November’s test flight wasn’t as smooth. Just four minutes after liftoff, SpaceX aborted the booster catch, forcing it to splash down roughly in the Gulf of Mexico. The booster erupted in flames on impact.
The Starship spacecraft, the upper stage, performed better. It reignited one of its engines in space and executed a controlled splashdown in the ocean. However, it caught fire and partially broke apart after landing, though less dramatically than the booster.
Why Recover Starship in One Piece?
SpaceX has strong incentives to recover an intact Starship. While data from Starlink transmissions provides some insights, it’s limited.
“There is only so much data SpaceX can get from Starship via Starlink transmissions as it has always sunk shortly after splashdown,” Interstellar Gateway explained.
Recovering the spacecraft intact allows engineers to inspect structural and hidden flaws that are impossible to detect remotely. This approach mirrors the valuable findings gleaned from the first intact booster recovery, which has already informed SpaceX’s designs.
Looking Ahead
The next Starship test launch is rumored to be scheduled for January 11. If SpaceX succeeds in recovering the entire spacecraft, it could yield a treasure trove of new insights.
Every piece of data and debris brings SpaceX closer to its ultimate goal: creating a fully reusable spacecraft capable of reaching Mars and beyond. Keep an eye on the skies—and the seas—for the next chapter in this bold journey.