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SpaceX Tows Starship Upper Stage After Rough Splashdown

8/8/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

SpaceX is towing Starship upper stage from the Indian Ocean after July 24, 2026 flight.
The stage splashed down off Western Australia, a Starship to survive a sea landing.
The flight deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites and performed a relight of a V3 engine.
Elon Musk said on Aug. 7 recovery was “not looking good” after Heavy lost engines, but on Aug. 4 claimed heat-shield issue was solved and a Pad 39A launch is targeted.

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Story summary

SpaceX is towing Starship upper stage from the Indian Ocean after July 24, 2026 flight.
The stage splashed down off Western Australia, a Starship to survive a sea landing.
The flight deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites and performed a relight of a V3 engine.
Elon Musk said on Aug. 7 recovery was “not looking good” after Heavy lost engines, but on Aug. 4 claimed heat-shield issue was solved and a Pad 39A launch is targeted.