Starship's launches next-gen Starlink satellites and improves re-entry - Interesting Engineering

What the report says

Interesting Engineering reported that SpaceX’s 13th integrated Starship flight test achieved the vehicle’s first deployment of next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, while also showing improved performance by the upper stage during re-entry and splashdown. The roughly 122-meter rocket launched from Starbase, Texas, and the mission included several test goals tied to SpaceX’s pursuit of a fully reusable heavy-lift launch system.

According to the report, Starship released 20 Starlink V3 satellites on a suborbital path, marking the first time the vehicle deployed operational Starlink spacecraft rather than dummy payloads. The satellites briefly communicated with the existing Starlink network before re-entering and burning up as intended, because the flight was focused on validating deployment procedures rather than placing them into service. Reuters, cited in the article, has noted that the V3 generation is expected to increase bandwidth and support future direct-to-cell services.

The upper stage also performed an in-space Raptor engine relight and descended into the Indian Ocean after a demanding re-entry test. Interesting Engineering said SpaceX described the result as Starship’s softest splashdown so far, with the vehicle remaining mostly intact after touchdown, offering engineers data on heat shielding, control systems and structural behavior.

The test was not fully successful: the Super Heavy booster did not complete a soft water landing after some engines failed to restart during the landing burn, causing a harder impact. Even so, the flight matters because it combined payload deployment, engine relight and a more controlled upper-stage return—capabilities SpaceX needs for future Starlink launches, NASA Artemis-related work and longer-term reusable spaceflight plans.