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SpaceX Starship Flight 14 reaches orbit, Ship 40 returns to Starbase

SpaceX’s Starship Flight 14 achieved orbit and splashed down, while Ship 40, the first Starship to survive a splashdown, has returned to Starbase for refurbishment.

By Published · 12:29 AM · Updated · 1 min read
SpaceX Starship Flight 14 reaches orbit, Ship 40 returns to Starbase

Key points

  • Flight 14 reached orbit and ended with a fiery splashdown.
  • Ship 40 survived the splashdown and has returned to Starbase for work.
  • SpaceX is preparing for Flight 15, the next Starship launch.
  • CRS‑35 cargo mission to the ISS launched on Oct. 13, 2026.
  • A Falcon 9 launch produced a visible “space jellyfish” effect over the East Coast.

SpaceX has targeted its next Starship launch, designated Flight 15, following the successful completion of Flight 14. During the milestone mission, the rocket reached orbit for the first time before concluding its flight with a fiery splashdown. The company is now preparing for the subsequent launch, which could attempt to catch the booster.

Ship 40 Returns to Starbase

SpaceX’s Ship 40, the first Starship spacecraft to survive an ocean splashdown, has returned to Starbase. The vehicle completed a journey at sea after surviving its splashdown, and engineers are now preparing for further work at the facility.

Separately, SpaceX launched the CRS-35 cargo mission to the International Space Station on October 13, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket created a visible "space jellyfish" phenomenon in the early-morning sky over the East Coast. This launch marked the 70th rocket launch of 2026 in California, a milestone for the company’s launch cadence this year.

The successful resupply mission occurred despite recent market weakness for the company. The "jellyfish" effect was caused by water vapor freezing into ice crystals as the rocket climbed into the upper atmosphere. SpaceX continues to operate from its California site, where the 70th launch of the year was executed this week.

Your questions, answered

What happened to SpaceX’s Ship 40 after its splashdown?

Ship 40 survived the splashdown and has returned to Starbase for further work.

What was the SpaceX launch on October 13, 2026?

SpaceX launched the CRS‑35 cargo mission to the International Space Station on October 13, 2026.

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