SpaceX maintains a large fleet of commercial ships to support its spaceflight recovery operations in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The company routinely lands Falcon 9 first stages offshore, recovers fairing halves from the ocean surface (valued at $3 million each), and Dragon capsules with astronauts and cargo on board.
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Active SpaceX Ships
Of Course I Still Love You
Autonomous Spaceport Droneship based on the US West Coast for offshore Falcon booster landings.
Just Read the Instructions
Autonomous Spaceport Droneship based on the US East Coast for offshore Falcon booster landings.
A Shortfall of Gravitas
Autonomous Spaceport Droneship based on the US East Coast for offshore Falcon booster landings.
Kimberley C and Debra C
Chartered tugboats in use for operations in the Pacific Ocean. Photo: Curtin Maritime.
GO Beyond
Dual-purpose support vessel based in California for fairing recovery and droneship support. Photo: Jack Beyer
Maverick and Goose
Fast boats used for fairing recovery operations. Deployed from the upper deck of Bob or Doug. Photo: Jenny Hautmann
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Retired SpaceX Operational Ships
Curated list of key former ships. This is not an exhaustive list, SpaceX has used a large number of ships in 10+ years of offshore operations.
Ms. Tree
Fast, maneuverable vessel that was previously modified to catch fairing halves. Retired in 2021.
Ms. Chief
Fast, maneuverable vessel that was previously modified to catch fairing halves. Retired in 2021.
GO Quest
Droneship support vessel used by SpaceX for over 10 years in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Retired in 2023.
Phobos
Planned floating Starship Spaceport. Sold for scrap in 2023. Photo: NSF
Deimos
Planned floating Starship Spaceport. Sold for scrap in 2023. Photo: BocaChicaGal (NSF)
NRC Quest
Dual-purpose support vessel used for Dragon and fairing recovery + droneship support. Retired in 2023.
Finn Falgout
Ocean-going tugboat used to tow SpaceX droneships in the Atlantic Ocean. Retired in 2022.
SpaceX Operational Robots
Octagrabber
Falcon 9 securing remote-controlled robot. 3 exist, operating on all active SpaceX droneships