# SpaceX brings intact Starship test vehicle to Christmas Island

_Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 3:01 PM EDT · Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![SpaceX brings intact Starship test vehicle to Christmas Island — Primary](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ship40_2-1152x648-1787078981.jpg)

SpaceX said its most recent Starship test vehicle arrived off Christmas Island after a recovery ship towed it across the Indian Ocean. The vehicle splashed down intact after its July 24 test flight, rather than disintegrating after toppling as engineers had expected. SpaceX said engineers are traveling to inspect the ship in calmer waters before attempting to return it to Starbase.

## Sources

- [Ars Technica - All content](https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/its-christmastime-at-spacex-as-company-salvages-starship-from-indian-ocean/)

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Retrieved: 2026-08-19T00:17:29.086Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)