SpaceX is in the process of recovering its Starship prototype after a successful test flight. The company launched the prototype on July 24, and it splashed down in the Indian Ocean. SpaceX did not expect to recover the vehicle, but it remained airtight and floated in the ocean.

Recovery Efforts

SpaceX has deployed several ships to recover the Starship, including the Go Australis, Normand Ranger, and Skimmer Tide. Satellite images show the recovery attempt, with a small boat deployed next to the Starship and a line attached to its nose.

SpaceX is working to make the Starship reusable, which could drastically drive down launch costs. The company has been testing the vehicle’s heat shield, which is designed to protect it from extreme temperatures during reentry.

The Starship is a crucial part of SpaceX’s long-term business plans. The company aims to use the vehicle to land astronauts on the moon, deploy satellites, and eventually carry humans to Mars.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.