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SpaceX Starship completes 13th test flight with Starlink V3 deployment
SpaceX has achieved several technical milestones during the 13th test flight of its Starship launch system. The mission successfully demonstrated the deployment of 20 Starlink V3 satellites, a new generation designed to significantly increase network capacity.
The Starship upper stage also showed progress in atmospheric reentry, with observations indicating less wear on the thermal protection shield than previously expected. While the Starship successfully completed its reentry sequence and performed landing maneuvers over the Indian Ocean, the recovery of the vehicle remains a challenge. SpaceX attempted to tow the stage toward the coast of Western Australia, but Elon Musk noted that a full recovery is unlikely due to the vehicle's current condition.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is preparing for its 14th test flight. This upcoming mission aims to deploy more Starlink V3 satellites and will attempt to land the upper stage on solid ground for the first time. This goal is central to SpaceX’s objective of creating a fully reusable orbital launch system. The company intends to use the launch tower's mechanical arms to capture the booster, a method previously used for the Super Heavy stage.
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- [● 2 SOURCES] The mission deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites during its suborbital trajectory. seucreditodigital.com.br · canaltech.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Super Heavy booster experienced issues during its deceleration attempt and impacted the Gulf of Mexico. seucreditodigital.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Elon Musk stated that a full recovery of the Starship upper stage from the ocean is unlikely. canaltech.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] SpaceX conducted the 13th flight test of the Starship rocket on July 24. seucreditodigital.com.br · canaltech.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Starship's heat shield showed signs of less wear during atmospheric reentry compared to previous tests. seucreditodigital.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Starship upper stage successfully completed its reentry sequence and landed in the Indian Ocean. seucreditodigital.com.br · canaltech.com.br