Part 10/12:
The last phase involved a controlled flip maneuver in the final approach, where the engines reignited for a precise landing. Despite the vehicle’s high-speed re-entry, the landing burn successfully slowed Starship enough for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Australia. The booster also executed a controlled landing burn, returning safely to the water after performing a critical landing burn — a demonstration of full reusability.
Though the ship’s landing was planned as a non-recovery, the mission showcased re-entry with rapid and reliable control, setting the stage for future complete recoveries of orbital-class ships.