Six Starlink satellites captured images of Starship's heat shield during re-entry, transmitting them after splashdown.

SpaceX has successfully launched Starship on its 13th integrated test flight, marking a major step forward in the development of the world’s largest and most powerful rocket system as the company demonstrated satellite deployment and achieved its most successful upper-stage recovery to date.

The launch took place from Starbase in South Texas after previous attempts were delayed by technical issues and unfavourable weather. Flying the upgraded Starship V3 configuration for only the second time, the mission was designed to validate improvements to the fully reusable launch system while testing new capabilities required for future commercial and deep-space missions.

One of the mission’s primary objectives was the deployment of 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, marking the first time Starship has released operational Starlink payloads during a test flight. Although the satellites successfully separated from the vehicle, they were not intended to reach operational orbit and were expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere following the suborbital mission. Six of the satellites were equipped with cameras and sensors to gather data on Starship’s thermal protection system during re-entry.

Following stage separation, the Starship upper stage continued its planned trajectory before carrying out a controlled descent into the Indian Ocean. Unlike previous tests that ended with fiery splashdowns, the spacecraft remained largely intact and continued transmitting telemetry after landing, providing engineers with valuable data for future recovery operations and eventual return-to-launch-site landings.

The mission achieved mixed results, however. While the upper stage met several key objectives, the Super Heavy booster was unable to relight enough of its Raptor engines during its return sequence, preventing a controlled landing and resulting in its impact in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the setback, SpaceX described the flight as another important step in its iterative development programme, with the recovered flight data expected to support future improvements.

The test also marked the first use of Starlink-enabled live video feeds during a Starship mission, allowing engineers to monitor the vehicle throughout its flight while collecting additional information on heat shield performance and other critical systems. The data will be used to refine the spacecraft as SpaceX works toward rapid reusability and more complex operational missions.

Starship is central to SpaceX’s long-term ambitions of supporting missions to the Moon and Mars. The rocket has been selected by NASA as the lunar lander for future Artemis missions, with upcoming demonstrations expected to include orbital refuelling, spacecraft docking and, eventually, catching both the booster and upper stage using the launch tower. Elon Musk has indicated that an attempt to catch the Starship upper stage at the launch site could take place as early as the next flight.

Although the latest test did not achieve every objective, it represents one of the programme’s most significant milestones to date, demonstrating satellite deployment capabilities, improved vehicle performance and advances in reusable launch technology as SpaceX continues developing Starship for commercial, scientific and human spaceflight missions.