AI Generated Image
SpaceX Starship still floating 5 days after flight photo of the day for July 29, 2026
Space • • business
Key Points:
- SpaceX's Starship Version 3 (V3) completed a suborbital flight on July 24, with its upper stage achieving the softest splashdown to date off the coast of Western Australia.
- The 171-foot upper stage remains afloat in the Indian Ocean days after the test, a rare occurrence for such a large rocket component.
- Video footage from aboard Starship and accompanying Starlink satellites captured impressive views of the flight, showcasing the vehicle's advanced technology.
- Starship is designed for rapid reusability, aiming to have both its Super Heavy booster and upper stage quickly refurbished and relaunched, though challenges remain, particularly in developing a durable, reusable heatshield.
- The intact ocean float of the upper stage marks a significant milestone, despite ongoing technical hurdles before full reusability can be achieved.
