SpaceX's Ship 40 returns to its launch site! What's next for Starships?

SpaceX’s Ship 40 has returned to Starbase after Starship’s 13th flight test on July 24, 2026. During the mission, Starship deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites on a suborbital trajectory, demonstrated an in-space Raptor engine relight, and completed a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. After more than two months of recovery and transport, the spacecraft is back in Texas, where SpaceX can examine its flown heatshield, engines, and other systems to improve future Starship missions. Video credit: SpaceX / Starlink