SpaceX launched its 13th integrated Starship test flight from South Texas, continuing work on the company’s fully reusable rocket system.
NBC News reported that the mission included the deployment of 20 advanced Starlink satellites roughly 124 miles above Earth. The satellites used laser and radio communications before reentering the atmosphere. Six were equipped with cameras to record the spacecraft’s heat shield during descent.
Starship’s upper stage completed its softest ocean landing to date and remained intact after reaching the Indian Ocean. Engineers gathered additional data from sensors installed across the heat shield, including sections designed to test how the vehicle performs when thermal tiles are missing.
The Super Heavy booster did not complete its return as planned. All 33 engines operated during launch, but too few restarted during descent, causing the booster to strike the Gulf of Mexico at high speed.
The flight provided SpaceX with more information about vehicle performance, satellite deployment and reusability. NASA is also monitoring Starship’s development for future lunar missions.