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SpaceX launched its 40-story Starship megarocket on a critical 13th test flight from South Texas, achieving a milestone soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean while testing next-generation satellite deployments, according to company statements and live telemetry. The July 24 flight marked only the second outing for the company’s Starship Version 3 design, advancing testing for heavy-lift reusability and future lunar missions.
Starship Flight 13 Liftoff and Indian Ocean Splashdown
Liftoff occurred at 6:51 p.m. EDT from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, sending the 407-foot-tall vehicle on a suborbital trajectory lasting just over one hour, according to mission data. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed via X that the Starship upper stage remained intact and transmitted telemetry while floating belly up in the ocean. SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot noted during the company’s live broadcast that the descent delivered the softest splashdown the program has recorded in the Indian Ocean.
Super Heavy Booster Landing Anomalies
Following stage separation, the Super Heavy first-stage booster executed a flip maneuver to return to Earth, though it encountered technical hurdles during its final landing burn, according to mission reports. Huot stated that only five of the 13 required Raptor engines appeared to fire to slow the booster, causing the stage to hit the Gulf of Mexico waters with higher velocity than planned and cutting off camera feeds. The flight followed a delayed launch window that included an automated engine-issue abort on July 16 and a weather wave-off on July 23.
Starlink V3 Satellite Deployment Milestone
During its suborbital coast, the Starship upper stage successfully deployed 20 next-generation Starlink Version 3 internet satellites through its slit-like payload bay door, according to mission trackers. These expansive, flat satellites feature laser communications links and larger solar arrays designed to replace the existing megaconstellation. Following deployment, the ship successfully reignited one of its six Raptor engines to verify critical orbital maneuver capabilities before initiating a plasma-wrapped atmospheric reentry.
Implications for NASA Artemis Lunar Missions
The successful collection of heat shield and flap data directly supports SpaceX’s path toward a fully reusable launch system required by NASA for upcoming crewed missions, according to program milestones. NASA has selected Starship to land Artemis IV astronauts on the moon in 2028. Following the mission, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman posted on X to congratulate the team, noting the game-changing capabilities Starship will bring to lunar exploration.
Did you know? Friday’s test flight coincided with the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 astronauts’ return to Earth following their historic lunar landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main objective of SpaceX Starship Flight 13?
The mission aimed to test the Starship Version 3 design, evaluate heat shield performance during reentry, deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites, and achieve a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, according to SpaceX updates.
Did the Super Heavy booster survive the landing?
The booster executed its return maneuver but suffered a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico after only five of its 13 planned landing engines fired, according to live mission commentary.