SpaceX Starship Deploys Next-Gen Starlink Satellites in 13th Flight Test

• SpaceX's Starship completed its 13th flight test, successfully deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.
• The Super Heavy booster performed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the upper stage completed a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
• Starlink V3 satellites are designed for speeds up to 1 terabit per second and feature enhanced direct-to-device capabilities.
• Engineers successfully validated solar array deployment and laser-based communications for the V3 constellation during the test.

Flight Test Details

• The 407-foot rocket launched from Starbase, Texas, at 5:51 p.m. CT, setting a record for maximum dynamic pressure (Max-Q).
• The Super Heavy booster's splashdown was "spicier" than anticipated as not all 33 Raptor engines fired as planned.
• The upper stage (Ship) successfully relit one of its six Raptor engines mid-flight and withstood significant plasma heat during descent.

Satellite Testing

• The 20 deployed Starlink V3 satellites were released using a "Pez Dispenser" system.
• While all 20 satellites re-entered the atmosphere and burned up after testing, the data gathered confirmed the functionality of the new V3 architecture.
• Testing focused on solar array operations and cross-link communications, both of which performed successfully.

Modifications and Improvements

• The mission followed a successful test in May, with specific upgrades made to address engine performance issues identified in previous iterations.
• An initial launch attempt one week prior was scrubbed due to startup issues with four Raptor engines; SpaceX subsequently replaced six booster engines to ensure readiness for today's successful flight.