SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Friday for the 13th test flight of the program. The mission aimed to demonstrate new capabilities, including the first suborbital deployment of Starlink satellites.
Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is designed by SpaceX to carry crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. During this flight, the rocket released a set of new Starlink satellites while still in suborbital space, a key step toward proving the vehicle's ability to perform complex tasks in space.
The launch took place from the company's facility in Boca Chica, Texas. Previous test flights have focused on reaching orbit, stage separation, and landing attempts. This flight marks the first time SpaceX has used Starship to deploy its own Starlink satellites, which are part of a growing constellation providing internet coverage worldwide.
SpaceX did not immediately provide details on the success of all mission objectives. However, the company has been rapidly iterating on Starship design, with each flight providing data to improve reliability and performance.
Starship is central to SpaceX's long-term goals, including NASA's Artemis program to return humans to the Moon. The 13th flight test brings the company closer to operational use of the massive rocket.