SpaceX Starship megarocket launches on 13th test flight

SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket on its 13th test flight from Starbase, Texas, following an aborted attempt last week caused by engine ignition issues. This mission marks the second outing for the V3 version of the rocket, with the company aiming for a controlled splashdown of the upper spacecraft in the Indian Ocean. The Super Heavy booster completed its phase of the flight by splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico after separating from the main ship.

Flight 13 is a significant test for the company as it works to satisfy NASA requirements for future lunar missions. Engineers are pushing the vehicle to handle higher aerodynamic stress during its ascent, a maneuver known as Max Q, to increase fuel efficiency and overall payload capacity. SpaceX also carried 20 new Starlink satellites on this flight, which are intended to test antenna and solar panel performance in suborbital conditions before reentry.

This mission is the first major flight test for SpaceX since the company began trading on the public market. The shift to a public entity has brought increased attention to its evolving business priorities, which now include massive investments in AI infrastructure and satellite data centers. While the company focuses on these expansion plans, it continues to face legal pressure from local residents concerned about the acoustic impact of frequent launches on property and regional wildlife.

SpaceX maintains that its operations are safe and necessary for its long-term goals. The data gathered from this flight will be instrumental in finalizing the vehicle design for NASA’s upcoming crewed moon landing efforts. By testing engine relights and reentry maneuvers, the team aims to verify that the system can eventually return to the launch site for rapid reuse.