SpaceX Is Attempting an Unprecedented Ocean Tow of Its Starship Rocket

New satellite images have revealed an unusual rescue mission unfolding in the middle of the Indian Ocean. SpaceX is working to salvage its massive Starship craft after an unexpected survival story following its recent test flight. New images were shared by CNN of all places.

The 170-foot upper stage, known as Ship 40, lifted off on July 24 for the company’s 13th test flight. Engineers originally expected the prototype to sink to the bottom of the sea after completing its reentry. Instead, all six engines stayed functional, guiding the spacecraft into its softest ocean landing to date.

SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot described the gentle splashdown as a “dream scenario” during the company’s livestream. Because the hull remained completely airtight, the spacecraft stayed bobbing on the ocean surface rather than taking on water.

Days after the launch, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that teams would attempt to haul the rocket back to land. Fresh satellite imagery captured on August 2 and 3 by Colorado intelligence firm Vantor shows specialized boats surrounding the floating vehicle. Norwegian tugboats named Normand Ranger and Skimmer Tide joined the operation alongside SpaceX recovery vessel Go Australis.

Watching high-resolution satellite shots of tugboats attaching tow lines to a colossal spaceship in the open ocean feels like watching a scene straight out of science fiction. Tracking data shows the ships moving at roughly one knot as they begin the delicate haul.

The primary goal of the mission was gathering critical data on the craft’s heat shield performance. Starship must withstand extreme reentry temperatures exceeding 17,500 miles per hour, an obstacle that has plagued re-flyable spacecraft design for decades.

If retrieving Ship 40 yields positive structural data, SpaceX may attempt to land its upper stage back on solid ground during an upcoming test flight, essentially catching it with Mechzilla’s chopsticks.