A salvage operation appears to be underway for SpaceX’s Starship booster parts off the coast near Brownsville, Texas. On July 18, 2025, the construction and salvage vessel LB Jill was listed on the Port of Brownsville’s manifest, indicating its mission to “Load Rocket Parts 1 M/T.” This suggests that the ship is engaged in recovering debris from previous Starship flights that may have drifted into the area.
The LB Jill is a specialized lift boat, designed for offshore construction and drilling. It features telescoping legs that allow it to elevate above the water, providing a stable platform for various operations. This capability is crucial for salvage work in potentially rough waters.
Timeline of LB Jill’s Activity
The timeline of LB Jill’s recent movements reveals a strategic approach to its salvage mission.
– **July 12**: The vessel arrived at the Port of Brownsville from Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Initially, there were no indications connecting it to rocket salvage.
– **Post-July 13**: After a brief stay, LB Jill moved south into Mexican waters, remaining approximately 11.5 nautical miles offshore for several days.
– **July 16**: The ship’s status changed to “Please Keep Clear, 0.25 Nautical Miles,” signaling potential underwater operations or mechanical issues, consistent with salvage activities.
– **July 18**: The vessel reappeared on the Port of Brownsville’s manifest, confirming its intent to recover rocket parts.
Potential Salvage Targets
Several previous Starship test flights present possibilities for recovery operations. The most likely targets include:
– **Booster 13 from Flight 6**: This booster performed an offshore divert and floated for hours before drifting south, aligning with LB Jill’s recent activities.
– **Booster 14 from Flight 9**: This booster experienced an explosive landing, potentially leaving behind significant debris.
– Other flights had debris that landed far offshore or were previously recovered, making them less likely candidates.
Given the vessel’s location and previous patterns, Booster 13 stands out as the prime salvage target.
SpaceX has a history of successful salvage operations, including the recovery of engine sections and hot staging rings from previous missions. The exact motivations behind this most recent effort remain unclear, though they may include engineering research, environmental considerations, or historical preservation of aerospace components.
As developments unfold, NASASpaceflight.com will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates through its Breaking Space channel and social media. The potential implications of this operation could extend beyond engineering, touching on environmental and historical aspects of space exploration.
