SpaceX Starship completes 13th test flight, deploys 20 Starlink satellites that burn up as planned
After two postponements, the massive rocket launched from Texas, its upper stage splashing down in the Indian Ocean an hour later, while 20 functional Starlink satellites were released and intentionally destroyed in the atmosphere.
Launch from Texas after two delays
The 13th test flight of SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket system ever built, took place after two recent postponements. The previous attempt about a week ago was aborted shortly before liftoff when several engines failed to ignite. A further weather-related delay pushed the mission to its eventual launch date. This flight featured the second use of the Version 3 Starship, a variant that SpaceX describes as completely overhauled in both design and performance.
Flight sequence and splashdowns
The unmanned rocket lifted off from SpaceX's private spaceport in Texas and flew for a period in space. Shortly after launch, the Super Heavy booster splashed down into the ocean near the launch site. The upper stage, also called Starship, later made a controlled descent into the Indian Ocean roughly one hour after liftoff. Both stages are designed for reuse after returning to Earth.
Simulated satellite deployment
For the first time, the test included the release of functional Starlink internet satellites. The 20 satellites were deployed into orbit, but they burned up in the atmosphere shortly afterward as part of the planned sequence. This exercise simulated future missions where Starship will deliver operational Starlink constellations.
- Liftoff from SpaceX's Starbase in Texas after two earlier postponements.
- Super Heavy booster splashes down in the sea near the launch site shortly after separation.
- 20 Starlink internet satellites are released and intentionally burn up in the atmosphere.
- Upper Starship stage makes a controlled descent into the Indian Ocean roughly one hour after launch.
SpaceX ambitions and market context
Starship stands taller than the Statue of Liberty, with a 70-metre booster and a 50-metre upper stage. NASA intends to use the vehicle to transport astronauts to the Moon, while SpaceX targets eventual missions to Mars. The test programme began in April 2023 with an explosion minutes after launch, and several subsequent flights fell short of expectations. SpaceX recently completed its largest IPO, though the stock has since fallen below the issue price.
