SpaceX just Destacked Starship B13’s Aft Section for Analysis…Can it be Reused!?

SpaceX just Destacked Starship B13’s Aft Section for Analysis…Can it be Reused!?
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00:00: Intro
Work on B13 aft section and reuse chance
05:34: Further recovery attempt
08:17: Crew-11’s update
09:51: Amazon’s investment in Florida
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SpaceX just Destacked Starship B13’s Aft Section for Analysis…Can it be Reused!?
Florida’s space scene is buzzing with activity. SpaceX has returned Booster 13 for refurbishment, with engineers replacing any components that fail to meet reuse standards—hinting at a possible reflight.
Meanwhile, the Crew Dragon for Crew‑11 has arrived at the launch site. Final checks, integration, and rehearsals are now underway ahead of its mission to the ISS.
At the same time, Amazon is investing heavily in Florida’s launch infrastructure to support its Kuiper satellite rollout. Success will depend on launch pace, satellite production, and regulatory timing.
Today on Great SpaceX, we cover Booster 13’s overhaul, Crew‑11’s launch prep, and Kuiper’s outlook.
SpaceX just Destacked Starship B13’s Aft Section for Analysis…Can it be Reused!?
The return of Booster 13’s aft section has become the center of attention at Starbase. After spending eight months in the ocean following its mission, this crucial segment of the booster was recovered and transported by ship to the Port of Brownsville. Once ashore, SpaceX prepared a road closure for the morning of July 24 to move the section back to one of its nearby facilities for inspection and potential analysis.
That facility is the Massey Test Site, which now serves as the destination for key testing and evaluation activities. During transport, the Raptor engines attached to the aft section were carefully wrapped in a large blue protective cover. This cloth will likely be removed once the section is secured at Massey, marking the beginning of SpaceX’s next phase of investigation.
SpaceX just Destacked Starship B13’s Aft Section for Analysis…Can it be Reused!?
But even before that inspection begins, we can already note some major changes between the time the aft section was recovered and its current state. Most notably, the front-end debris—wires, metal hulls, and twisted hardware—has been cut away. These components were too heavily corroded or damaged to hold any analytical value, so removing them allows for clearer access to the main structures that remain intact.
What is most impressive is the overall condition of the aft section itself. Structurally, it appears largely intact, with minimal deformation. Aside from a few dents and surface corrosion caused by extended exposure to seawater, the hardware has held up remarkably well. Most of the visible piping, especially those entirely enclosed within the aft segment, still looks structurally sound. While the composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) have been removed, they also appear to be in decent condition and were likely sent to a separate facility for more detailed examination.

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