SpaceX is preparing for Starship's 13th test flight, which will feature the first deployment of actual Starlink Version 3 satellites instead of simulators. The mission aims to validate the payload deployment mechanism and test laser communication interoperability between the new V3 satellites and existing spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.
Background
Starship is SpaceX's fully reusable super-heavy lift launch vehicle designed for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars. Previous test flights have focused on basic flight dynamics and recovery, making this the first to include functional next-generation communications hardware.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 14, 2026 at 09:17 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10