SpaceX's Starship 40 Odyssey: From Indian Ocean Splashdown to a Months-Long Voyage Home

SpaceX recovered Starship 40 intact from the Indian Ocean after its July 24 test flight. The spacecraft now travels aboard the Forte on a months-long voyage back to Texas for detailed analysis. The recovery yields critical heat shield and reentry data despite likely ruling out reuse. New reports highlight ongoing challenges and implications for tower catch attempts.