SpaceX successfully conducted its 13th full-scale Starship test flight on July 24, 2026, achieving a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean after a flight from South Texas. The Starship, which tipped over gently upon landing, was inspected by engineers using drones to assess the condition of its heat shield, which endured temperatures up to 2,600° Fahrenheit during reentry.
Following this successful flight, SpaceX plans to attempt a tower catch of the Starship on its next launch, as stated by CEO Elon Musk. This would involve capturing the vehicle with mechanical arms as it returns to the launch site. The test flight also included the deployment of 20 upgraded Starlink V3 satellites, which provided valuable performance data before burning up upon reentry.
SpaceX aims to refine the heat shield for rapid reuse of the Starship, which is critical for future missions, including those supporting NASA's Artemis program for lunar exploration. The company continues to develop its capabilities for orbital refueling, which will be essential for missions beyond low-Earth orbit.